The story that pushed Filipinos to rise against a tyrant and a corrupt government is one we should never forget, for it reminds us of the cost of our freedom.
The EDSA Revolution was a turning point in Philippine history, ending Marcos’ 21-year rule and restoring democracy. In 1986, millions gathered at EDSA, demanding his resignation, which led to the 1987 Constitution ensuring democratic rights. However, political dynasties still dominate government, and I believe the fight for true political freedom and democratic values is far from over.
The scale of human rights violations during the Marcos administration is infuriating. Documented records from the Martial Law period show that thousands were arrested, tortured, and killed, with at least 3,200 confirmed deaths and many more subjected to abuse or forced disappearance. Despite Marcos’ fall, justice still feels incomplete, as many victims and their families continue to seek recognition and compensation under the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013.
Just as troubling is the fact that many Filipinos have not fully internalized the lessons. Corruption remains a structural problem today. According to the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International, the Philippines ranked 120th out of 182 countries, scoring 32 out of 100, reflecting a drop from previous years and placing it among the lower-performing nations in Southeast Asia. The promise of “people power” was accountability—but global indicators suggest that struggle continues.
Beyond governance rankings, economic reality tells another story. In 2023, the official poverty threshold stood at approximately ₱13,873 per month for a family of five, with 15.5% of Filipinos—or 17.54 million people—living below the poverty line. Yet surveys in late 2024 showed that 63% of families considered themselves poor. This gap between statistics and lived experience reveals that inequality remains deeply felt despite decades of democratic restoration.
Some may argue that the Marcos administration, despite its flaws, contributed significantly to the country’s infrastructure and economic development. During his rule, the Philippines saw the construction of key infrastructure projects, such as the North and South Luzon Expressways and the Manila International Airport, which are still in use today.
For some, EDSA may seem like a distant memory. But for those who endured cruelty in the name of power, it was not just a political event—it was a fight to stay alive. It was defiance in the face of fear.
I just hope this new generation realizes how fortunate they are compared to the youth 40 years ago, who lived in fear, faced death, and were unjustly framed and assaulted in countless ways.
People must educate themselves about the true history of our country, ensuring that the lessons of the past are never forgotten. Additionally, we must actively engage in civic duties, vote responsibly, and demand transparency and accountability from our leaders to create a government that serves the people, not the powerful.
As we approach another anniversary of EDSA, the question is no longer whether the dictatorship happened. It did. The records exist. The court rulings exist. The victims exist. The real question is whether we have learned enough to prevent the abuse of power from taking root again.
Our history is tragic, but no matter how painful, we must not forget, for forgetting means repeating the same mistakes.
