People Power’s beautiful memories and the inconvenient truth

As we celebrated the 35th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution last February 25, 2021, I couldn’t help to recall its inspiring message to the world that in unity there is enormous strength and power to change a country.

Successful peaceful protest. This is the second beautiful thing that happened during the EDSA Revolution. People from all walks of life join together to support a noble cause to restore freedom and democracy and free the country from the bondage of tyranny without violence or blood.

Patriotism and love of country. Millions of Filipinos demonstrated their love of the country by participating and supporting street protests and rallies armed only with flowers, candles, prayers, and songs against soldiers with guns and tanks. The church played a significant and remarkable role in such political change vehemently.

The influence of the Fourth Estate. The term refers to the press and news media both in the explicit capacity of advocacy and implicit ability to frame political issues, though not formally recognized as a part of a political system. Among the most influential media groups and publishers during the martial law days were: ABS-CBN and ABC, Philippine Free Press, Manila Times, Malaya, and Philippine Daily Inquirer

However, several decades later came the sober truth and the realization that we only removed our bad leaders but kept the despicable practice alive—the culture of greed and cancer of corruption.

The People Power Revolution did nothing big to help alleviate the economic lives of the Filipino people in general. It only provided us the freedom and rights to live a life more vigilant and critical against the government. It only enriched and benefited the few who are in power in the executive and legislative departments along with its oligarchs but the people remained the same. 

Filipinos 35 years later continue to struggle and suffer the basic social problems in the country like poverty, unemployment, malnutrition, overpopulation, drug and alcohol abuse, public health, crimes among others.

EDSA has failed to deliver the promised political reforms, social justice, and economic progress. Our leaders lack the political will to implement laws to benefit the masses and improve public services.

Our sluggish economy favors the rich business sectors but are unable to uplift the ordinary worker's standard of living. Many Filipinos are still living on the poverty line.

Social injustice and inequality issues continue to rise and make the headlines. People are tired of unresolved crimes, poor health conditions, and malnutrition.

It is a disturbing reality that we are champions of freedom of expression but living in graft-ridden state agencies. EDSA should live with its dream of eradicating all forms of corruption whether political, social, and moral.

The spirit of the EDSA revolution must continue to transform and inspire our leaders, and our people in the present, and in the future to make the ultimate sacrifice and do what is the best for the country and its people.

Renester P. Suralta

Pardo, Cebu City