Forty Years After EDSA: A Personal Reflection on Freedom's Legacy
Forty years have passed since the Filipino people astonished the world by winning a peaceful revolution through collective courage and determination. The EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986 remains a defining moment in Philippine history, marking the end of authoritarian rule and the restoration of democratic freedoms.
A Night Etched in Memory
I vividly recall that historic evening while working in The Freeman editorial office, editing sports stories for the next day's publication. The radio broadcast at full volume ensured nobody missed the live coverage of unfolding events in Manila. A palpable sense of anticipation hung in the air, signaling that something dramatic was imminent.
Then came the announcement that changed everything. My cousin Roy Ladiona's voice boomed through DYRC radio with the news that Ferdinand Marcos had left the country. Pandemonium erupted in our already noisy workspace as the reality of the moment sank in.
Celebration and Concern at Fuente Osmeña
As reports emerged of people gathering at Fuente Osmeña to celebrate, I hurried to join them, determined not to miss this watershed historical moment. The circular landmark was teeming with jubilant crowds when I arrived, their euphoric mood proving utterly contagious. The sweet taste of regained freedom filled the air.
Yet amid the exhilaration, I observed disturbing behavior that gave me pause. Men clutching beer bottles were using car hoods as makeshift stages, with some even climbing atop vehicles in their drunken revelry. My own Ford Laser suffered only a twisted antenna, but I couldn't help wondering if the car's aging hood would have withstood the weight of celebrants.
Freedom's Weighty Questions
This scene prompted serious reflection. Did respect and reason have to abandon us in moments of extreme jubilation? Did we truly deserve the freedom that our heroes sacrificed to secure? Could we be trusted with this precious inheritance?
Four decades later, these questions remain profoundly relevant. The martyrs who resisted tyranny did not secure independence merely for its own sake. They envisioned a society that would uphold truth, protect individual rights, and foster mutual respect among citizens.
Assessing Our Democratic Journey
The answer to how we've fared is decidedly mixed, marked by both progress and persistent shortcomings. While we have maintained our freedom, we have not always honored it properly. Too many still treat liberty as mere convenience rather than a prized inheritance requiring careful stewardship.
We continue to see troubling behaviors reminiscent of those beer-guzzling celebrants from forty years ago. Too often we speak without listening, choose without understanding, and prioritize personal interests over collective wellbeing. Freedom sometimes becomes an excuse for irresponsibility rather than a foundation for civic virtue.
Democratic Institutions and Continuing Challenges
On the positive side, we have preserved democratic institutions, conducted regular elections, and achieved some success in holding leaders accountable. These accomplishments represent meaningful progress in our national journey.
Yet much work remains. As the saying goes, freedom is not a completed achievement but a continuing responsibility. Each generation must recommit to the principles that made our revolution possible: truth, justice, and respect for human dignity.
The EDSA Revolution's legacy challenges us to build upon its foundation, ensuring that future generations inherit not just freedom's privileges but also its profound responsibilities.
