MANILA, Philippines — As the Philippines prepares to commemorate the anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, lawmakers from the Akbayan Party-list have filed a proposal in the House of Representatives to declare February 25 a special non-working holiday.

According to Akbayan representatives, the holiday would recognize the spirit of People Power as a historic moment when ordinary citizens united to uphold democracy and assert the voice of the people. Proponents argue that giving this day official recognition would serve as a national reminder of the power of civic action and the importance of preserving democratic institutions.

The proposal emerges amid preparations for the so-called “Trillion Peso March” at EDSA, an event organized under the “No Marcos Resign” policy of Kiko Dee and Tindig Pilipinas. Dee emphasized that the event does not endorse calls to remove any duly elected official, asserting that such actions would be unconstitutional and outside the scope of the rally’s objectives.

This juxtaposition of commemorative recognition and contemporary political activism raises broader questions about the evolving meaning of People Power. While the 1986 revolution is remembered for uniting citizens against authoritarian rule, modern interpretations sometimes blur the line between peaceful civic engagement and political maneuvering. The question remains: Should EDSA People Power be celebrated as a day of reflection and civic unity, or has its legacy become a platform for contemporary political agendas? (Larawan mula sa: Akbayan Partylist / Facebook)