People Power Monument, EDSA
25 February 2013
President Benigno S. Aquino III led the 27th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution. Bearing the theme “Pilipinas Natin, Abot-Tanaw Na!” this year’s celebration highlights the signing into law of the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013.
Under this new law signed by the President, human rights victims of the Martial Law will be given due recognition by granting them P10-billion of the Marcoses’ ill-gotten wealth. Similarly, it will also mandate the creation of the Human Rights Violations Victim’s Memorial Commission by the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education, which will help educate the youth about the significant events that took place during the Marcos dictatorship.
Another important aspect of this year’s commemoration is the three simultaneous re-enactment of the 1986 Salubungan in Manila, Dumaguete and Zamboanga.
President Aquino emphasized in his speech that the struggle to uplift the country will not cease even after 27 years of democracy. “Alalahanin po natin ang ating pinagdaanan; kung dati humarap tayo sa posibilidad ng karahasan upang makamtan ang kalayaan, ngayon kailangan muli nating lumaban upang tuluyan na ngang mapitas ang bunga ng sakripisyo ng mga nauna sa atin,” he said.
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