In 1986, the people fought for their rights.
In 2026, the people fought to remember.
The recent declaration of suspension of classes by some local government units (LGUs) in Laguna province on February 25 sends a subtle, but clear message: the message of EDSA lives on - and must live on in a new generation.
From the outset, the administration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. has sought to suppress all commemoration of the popular uprising that overthrew his father and drove his family from the Philippines 40 years ago.
This was evidenced by the removal of February 25 - the climax of 20 years of public rage - as a "special non-working holiday."
This deprived the public of the chance to commemorate this momentous event in our country's history - and learning the lessons of the past.
But history has a way of making itself known, no matter how government suppresses discussion.
The commemoration of the 40th anniversary of People Power comes amid widespread public anger and frustration over the massive graft and corruption that has once again become a way of life under the dictator's son.
Once again, all the lessons that were carried over by that mass uprising became prevalent in public discussion once again.
The chief lesson is how people from all walks of life, from divergent political views and economic statuses, compromised, set aside their differences and united in one single goal: to bring back a genuine democracy, a society where all Filipinos will be able to share and contribute in its progress.
It's a lesson that all of us should remember once again as we once again face the nightmare of poverty, corruption and disregard for the life, rights and dignity of the ordinary Filipino.
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