CHR urges Pinoys to join EDSA revolt rites

MANILA, Philippines — Amid attempts to silence critics of the present government, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has urged Filipinos to join the commemoration of the 32nd anniversary of the EDSA People Power revolution today and defend human rights and the democratic institutions established following the fall of the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.

CHR chairman Chito Gascon said the country continues to face challenges more than three decades after EDSA, citing increasing number of human rights violations and efforts of some to consolidate power in the hands of the few.

“It’s important that the Filipino people commemorate victory against authoritarian rule and dictatorship and to remind ourselves that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance,” he said.

Gascon stressed the need to protect all facets of democracy, including allowing dissent and discussion.

“People should have the ability to have spaces that are free from intimidation and harassment,” he said. “Democracy demands dissent. We must preserve spaces and platforms for people to speak out.”

The CHR chief earlier expressed concern over the Palace directive banning online news outfit Rappler from covering events in Malacañang.

He also lashed out at presidential spokesman Harry Roque, saying he expected more from someone who used to present himself as a human rights advocate.

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle yesterday said that only justice, truth, love and respect will give a person peace during the noontime mass at the The Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace or the Our Lady of EDSA in Quezon City.

In his homily, Tagle said, “Peace would be the fruit of what we sow… Peace would be fruit if we plant justice, truth, love and respect.” 

He also told the faithful that they would only be able to have peace with the help of the Lord and Mother Mary.

The EDSA Shrine was built after the bloodless 1986 People Power Revolution that toppled the dictator.

Meanwhile, Vice President Leni Robredo will lead today the commemoration of the EDSA People Power revolution in Naga City.

Robredo will attend the mass at the St. Jude Thaddeus Parish Church, followed by a candle-lighting ceremony and feeding program.

Robredo told reporters in Naga City on Friday that she supports the young Filipinos who take part in various activities to express their dissent and opinions on different issues.

She said the Filipino youth has historically played a significant role in public discourse in the country, noting activities during the martial law years and in the EDSA revolution.

“I believe that it is not just important to celebrate what happened, but also look back at the lessons we have learned,” she added.

Robredo urged those who will take part in the events to wear white to show unity.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros urged President Duterte to learn from the lessons of the People Power Revolution and stop his authoritarian ways, which is “an unsustainable framework of governance.”

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, for his part, does not agree with the observations made by Hontiveros of the current administration.

Pimentel said democracy remains strong in the country and that the people are free to enjoy their rights under the Constitution.

Pimentel said the spirit of EDSA remains and should be remembered always, even though the fervor has somewhat diminished in recent years.

Militant nuns belonging to the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines would hit the streets once again to fight for human rights, justice and peace during the 32nd anniversary of the EDSA People Power revolt. – With Evelyn Macairan, Rhodina Villanueva, Marvin Sy