The Liberal Party (LP) of the Philippines has recently voiced its concerns about the rewriting of history, specifically regarding the People Power Revolution in 1986 that ousted then-president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), LP spokesman and former senator Leila de Lima emphasized the importance of preserving the true narrative of this historic event.
De Lima highlighted that the Filipino people, 38 years ago, came together as a chorus of voices demanding change. The People Power Revolution, also known as EDSA, was not just a movement; it was a symphony of hope, courage, and unwavering faith in the collective power of the people. It symbolized the reclaiming of voices, futures, and the right to be heard.
However, de Lima expressed concern that the symphony of the People Power Revolution is now being threatened by a cacophony of distortion. Disinformation and historical revisionism attempt to diminish the significance of EDSA and rewrite it as the root cause of present struggles. By twisting narratives, these revisionists paint the revolution as a naive misstep instead of a courageous act of self-determination.
De Lima strongly condemned these attempts at historical revisionism, labeling them as a huge shame. She denounced the outright lying and in-your-face denial of those responsible for the atrocities that occurred during the Marcos regime. The revisionists’ selfish agenda distorts the truth and undermines the collective memory of the Filipino people.
The LP further emphasized that an “education crisis” exacerbates the problem of historical distortions. The dilution of historical knowledge among the younger generation allows the seeds of misinformation to be planted, further distancing them from the lessons that EDSA taught us.
Despite these challenges, de Lima asserted that the inheritors of the People Power Revolution’s legacy refuse to be silenced. They call for the reclamation of history and urge every Filipino to remember the power within their voice. Honoring the heroes of EDSA requires not just words, but action.
The fight for truth and justice will continue, according to the LP. They aim to keep the spirit of EDSA alive, like a burning fire that paves the way for a Philippines where every Filipino’s voice can be heard, where what is right and true prevails, and where the Filipino people hold the power.
As the 38th anniversary of the EDSA revolution approaches, organizations such as the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation and the Buhay ang EDSA Campaign Network have lined up events to commemorate this historic event. Among them is a special program titled “The EDSA Story: A People’s Victory, A Nation’s Glory” at Club Filipino, the site where the three-day revolt culminated in 1986.
The efforts to preserve the true narrative of the People Power Revolution and combat historical revisionism are crucial in ensuring that the sacrifices made by the Filipino people during that period are not forgotten. By standing against the distortion of history, the Filipino people can safeguard their collective memory and uphold the values of democracy, freedom, and justice that the revolution represents.
Source: The Manila Times
