OVP mum on deleted social media posts on EDSA

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Vice President (OVP) remained mum on the supposed deletion of Vice President Sara Duterte’s social media statement commemorating the EDSA people power revolution.

Reporters have sought comment from the OVP as Duterte’s statement, which was deleted less than an hour after it was posted on her social media pages, is a drastic change in tune compared to her previous statements on people power anniversaries.

In the now-deleted post, which is still up on the Facebook and X pages of bloggers, Duterte was quoted as urging Filipinos never to forget the sacrifices of “the brave souls” who united in the fight for democracy and freedom during the EDSA revolution that toppled the dictatorship of President Marcos’ father.

“On this day, we commemorate the brave souls who stood united on the streets of Edsa, fighting for democracy and freedom,” the statement said.

“Their courage and determination paved the way for a better Philippines, and their sacrifices will never be forgotten. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us remember the lessons of Edsa – the power of unity, the strength of the Filipino spirit and the importance of standing up for what is right,” the statement added.

Filipinos must build a nation “where justice, peace and prosperity prevail, where every voice is heard and every dream is achievable,” it said.

“Together, we can overcome any challenge and create a brighter tomorrow for the generations to come. Happy Edsa anniversary to all Filipinos, may we continue to uphold the spirit of Edsa in all that we do,” it added.

Duterte also acknowledged the 38th anniversary of the EDSA Revolution as a “momentous occasion” for Filipinos.

Reporters who broke the news on X, formerly Twitter, were later asked to take down the post. Some news outlets still kept their breaking news items on the statement.

National shrine?

The historic EDSA Shrine, a symbol of the 1986 people power revolution, might soon become a national shine.

During last Sunday evening’s mass at the EDSA Shrine commemorating the 38th people power anniversary, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David said the shrine’s rector Fr. Jerome Secillano broached the possibility.

“The Rector, Fr. Jerome, asked if they could apply to become a national shrine,” to which David replied, “Yes, Why not? Not only is the EDSA Shrine the shrine of the Archdiocese of Manila (RCAM), it’s of the entire Philippines.”

This announcement was met with loud applause from the EDSA Shrine community.

David was the main celebrant during the 6 p.m. concelebrated mass held at the EDSA Shrine, also known by its formal title, The Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, presently classified as an archdiocesan shrine.

Secillano, who assumed the position as rector on Jan. 7, 2023, thanked David for relaying the good news to the EDSA Shrine community.

PNP: Rallies peaceful

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said yesterday that the rallies commemorating the EDSA people power revolution on Sunday were peaceful.

At a press briefing in Camp Crame, Acorda noted that the estimates for attendance were consistent with expectations.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) monitored about 1,095 protesters who joined in protests held across Metro Manila.

Acorda commended the peaceful conduct of the rally in Manila, stating that there were no untoward incidents and minimal impact on traffic.

He expressed gratitude to the personnel of the NCRPO, led by Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., for their efforts in ensuring a peaceful event.

In Cebu, Acorda reported that while an estimated 40,000 attendees were anticipated, only around 5,000 people participated in the rally. — Mark Ernest Villeza, Evelyn Macairan, Nillicent Bautista