(Eagle News) – President Rodrigo Duterte hopes the 32nd anniversary of the February 25 “People Power Revolution” would be an occasion to “foster unity and solidarity” as he instructed officials to allow and respect even rallies staged by the opposition and critical groups.
The President, however, did not attend the People Power commemorative rites held at the People Power Monument in EDSA, Quezon City.
The Palace said Duterte was in his home province in Davao Sunday, February 25, and it was the National Historical Commission of the Philippines that was scheduled to lead the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Edsa People Power Monument on Sunday.
In his message, the President said the People Power revolution “has become the enduring symbol of our determination to fight for what is right.”
“I join the entire nation in commemorating the 32nd Anniversary of the People Power Revolution,” Duterte said in a statement.
“More than three decades ago, we have shown the world how a people’s courage and resolve can alter the course of our nation’s history. Since then, the People Power Revolution has become the enduring symbol of our determination to fight for what is right and – during our country’s most crucial and trying times – to defend and uphold our cherished democratic values,” he said.
Duterte wished all Filipinos will have a “meaningful celebration” of the EDSA 1 anniversary this Sunday, February 25.
“May this occasion foster unity and solidarity as we pursue our hopes and aspirations for our nation,” he said.
“Let us further enrich our democracy by empowering our citizenry, defending their rights and strengthening the institutions that safeguard their freedoms,” the President’s message added.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that the Philippine government will respect any rallies that the opposition will hold during the EDSA 1 anniversary rites.
Groups including those from the Catholic Church and other urban poor and militant sectors have been among those who held rallies on Saturday to commemorate the anniversary of the February 25 EDSA revolution.
Roque said that the Palace respects the right of all groups to express their opinion and will allow rallies, including those critical of the Duterte administration, to commemorate the February 25 revolution.