MANILA, Feb. 22, 2012— The anniversary celebration of the first people power revolt must not be used for political interests, the head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines said.
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, CBCP president, said that EDSA 1 celebration is for everyone and not just for a certain group or individuals.
“As of now, people can always use the celebration for their own motives and interest. I hope as a people, it’s about time that in our celebrations we think of common good, development and giving people hope,” said Palma.
The church leader was reacting to reports that Malacañang intends to use the 26th anniversary of EDSA 1 as a “show of force” against President Benigno Aquino III’s main rival, Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona.
This after Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa issued a memorandum enjoining all government employees to participate in the celebration.
Instead of personal motives, the CBCP head said it would be better if the people can work together and maintain the freedom gained through the bloodless revolution.
Palma said freedom does not only mean being free from the cudgels of the dictatorship of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.
“The question is how do we use this freedom to achieve greater blessings? How do we use this freedom? How to become [a] more developed country, wherein people live humane lives? I would say how to responsibly use this freedom?” asked the prelate.
The country will commemorate the 26th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution on February 25.
EDSA People Power was a historic uprising in February 1986 that toppled the decades-old Marcos regime and catapulted Corazon “Cory” Aquino to the presidency. [CBCPNews]