Malacañang clarified on Tuesday that the decision to declare February 25, 2025, as a special working day was not meant to diminish the significance of the EDSA People Power Revolution.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that the government is not preventing organizations or institutions from commemorating the historic 1986 uprising, which led to the downfall of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., father of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“February 25 is a special working day, and it is the President’s prerogative. However, people are still encouraged to remember and participate in events related to EDSA,” Castro stated.
Despite the absence of a formal holiday declaration, several schools and universities suspended classes on Tuesday to mark the revolution’s 39th anniversary. Human rights groups also planned demonstrations at the EDSA People Power Monument to honor those who fought for democracy.
Maria Sol Taule of Karapatan warned about ongoing disinformation efforts aimed at distorting the historical narrative of martial law. She stressed the need to counter these attempts and uphold the truth about the dictatorship’s abuses.
Castro dismissed concerns that the revolution’s legacy could be erased, saying, “History is history. No president can erase it.”
