The Federation of Urban Poor – Negros (FedUp) marked the 39th EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary in Bacolod City with a call for citizens to exercise their right to vote for officials who are trustworthy, and not to allow money to determine their choices in May.
The FedUp members laid flowers at the Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Monument at Araneta Street in Bacolod City and held a caravan to the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Barangay Bata for a mass to remember the ordinary Filipinos’ heroism at EDSA 39 years ago, Joy Jarabelo, the groups head, said.
She said the theme of their EDSA Day commemoration was “”the glory of saving one’s country cannot be given to those who have contributed to its ruin” as written by Dr. Jose Rizal in his book, El Filibusterismo
She said they also are calling on candidates to examine their conscience.
“If there is blood on their hands, if they have plundered millions from government coffers, if they used ayuda (government aid) to exact loyalty to stay in power, if they have bought votes, if they have not done anything in their position other than just enjoy the pork and perks of their position, then they should not run (for office) in the first place,” Jarabelo said.
She said millions of Filipino heroes stood against the dictatorship, in solidarity with those election canvassers who walked out during the snap presidential elections 39 years ago.
Fr. Aniceto Buenafe, in his homily at the mass at the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, said like EDSA and the life of Ninoy Aquino, a revolution usually starts with a spark but the flame will spread.
He cited the millions who gathered at EDSA to call for a peaceful change in the hearts of everyone, even those in power.
Buenafe also thanked the FedUp members for sustaining the celebration of EDSA even though President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. proclaimed it a working holiday.*