By Reni M. Valenzuela
Edsa is a street symbolic of something great for Filipinos.
The Edsa revolution of1986 did not happen because Juan Ponce Enrile and Fidel Ramos, together with the members of Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM), rebelled against their Commander-in-Chief, Ferdinand Edralin Marcos. Neither did “Edsa” occur because Jaime Cardinal Sin summoned the Filipino people to go out and gather at Edsa.
Nobody among the living then, including Cory Aquino and the people who flocked to Edsa, can take credit for the miracle. No, it was not “people power.” It was God’s power manifested and bestowed upon the oppressed/abused citizenry and exploited/used country.
However, if there is one person worth honoring every time we commemorate “Edsa,” it is Ninoy Aquino. “… Render honor to whom honor is due.” – Romans 13:7. It was Ninoy’s selflessness as a public servant and his death/martyrdom three years prior to that momentous1986 resurrection for Filipinos that is the root of “Edsa” – in the same manner as Jesus Christ rose from the dead after being in the tomb for three days as a crucified/dead Son of God – to save the world from thereon.
“Edsa” commenced the very moment Ninoy was assassinated on the tarmac of Manila International Airport on August 21, 1983. The whole nation stopped and grieved, got awakened and stirred. Millions of Filipinos joined the funeral procession for the fallen hero – in the streets, everywhere, and on TV and radio. There was massive groaning. “Edsa” was just the culmination.
Our liberation from the Spaniards is no different. It was a result of the heroism of Fathers Gomez, Burgos and Zamora (Gomburza) and the gallantry, sacrifices and patriotism of Gomburza-inspired Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, together with my great, great grandfather, Pio Valenzuela, and a host of other Filipino heroes (excluding killer Aguinaldo) two decades later during the 19th century.
The way to commemorate and celebrate “Edsa” is to hail Benigno “Ninoy” Simeon Aquino Jr., not any rebellious opportunists and those who’ve taken advantage of the miracle; those abusive and corrupt that have occupied positions of power in the government after the deposed president/dictator fled Malacanang – until now.
Politics aside, if Marcos Jr. will do right as President of our country now, he can well be a part (a good part) of the continuing “Edsa” revolution – to make Ninoy’s dream come true – for all of us.
P.S.
BBM did it right in declaring February 24 as a special non-working holiday in solemn and somber remembrance of the great 1986 Edsa Revolution. It is an act big and admirable of him.
