Estrada: Don't abuse freedom, democracy

President Estrada called for a renewed spirit of unity yesterday, and appealed to the Filipino people not to abuse the freedom and democracy gained through the EDSA people power revolt of 1986.

The President will lead the nation today in the 14th anniversary of the peaceful uprising that toppled the dictatorship of the late President Ferdinand Marcos.

"We shall be commemorating one of the most important events of our history. It has been quite some time since we proved to the world that we could unite as a nation and join hands in fighting for our rights," Mr. Estrada said in his radio program on the eve of the EDSA celebration.

He said he could only hope that the essence of EDSA is still fresh in the minds of the people.

"Let us not abuse or destroy the freedom and democracy that we regained through this peaceful revolt," Mr. Estrada said. "These include freedom of expression. Let us consider the interests of the citizenry and not just the interests of a few or those with money."

The President will be joined in today's festivities by former Presidents Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos and Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, who were all major players in the four-day revolt.

Along with Finance Secretary Jose Pardo, chairman of the EDSA Commission, they will lead a flag-raising ceremony at the People Power Monument on EDSA to kick off the day-long program of activities.

"I call on our countrymen, especially those in Metro Manila, to join us for the program which will start at 7 a.m.," Mr. Estrada said.

The morning program will include a Freedom Run for the transfer of the Freedom Torch and the signing of a "Kabisig ng EDSA" pledge.

Running priest Fr. Roberto Reyes will carry the torch from the Ninoy Aquino monument on Ayala Avenue in Makati City to the People Power monument and hand it over to Mrs. Aquino. The torch will be passed on to Mr. Ramos, Mr. Estrada, and finally to Gideon Javier, son of slain freedom fighter Evelio Javier.

The President will join an ecumenical Mass to be officiated by Cardinal Sin at the Our Lady of EDSA Shrine at 4:30 p.m., before delivering his speech.

Mr. Estrada downplayed a scheduled protest rally expected to coincide with the EDSA celebration.

"We cannot let a small group spoil the festivities. Besides, we have a democracy now, we cannot prevent them from expressing themselves," he said.

Vice President and Social Welfare Secretary Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo also called on the Filipino people to revive the unity that helped restore freedom.

"We should be proud of the EDSA Revolution since it gave us back our freedom through peaceful means," the vice president said while on an official visit to Tingloy, Batangas.

She said the 1986 uprising has become a model for other countries fighting against oppressive rule.

Macapagal-Arroyo also urged the people to continue praying for more blessings and progress for the country.

In an emotional reunion marked by hugs and handshakes, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and other city officials paid tribute yesterday to the unsung heroes of EDSA.

Those honored in the testimonial luncheon at the Casino Español were broadcaster June Keithley, Fr. James Reuter, Sister Sarah Nanapol and the late Antique Gov. Evelio Javier.

Keithley, Reuter and Nanapol composed the core group of Radyo Bandido, the clandestine radio program that kept the people updated on the unfolding events during the four days in February 1986.

Also honored were other Radyo Bandido volunteers, namely: Paolo Mercado; Eddie Alcalde; Rose Santos; Sandy Olazo-Coronel; Vida Anderson; Geny Anderson; Pie Olazo; Jose Ma. Antonio Versoza; Samuel Soler; Francisco Soler and Manila Councilor Kim Atienza. The volunteers were all in their teens and early twenties at the time of the revolt.

The testimonial luncheon was organized by Mayor Atienza, who was a leading crusader against martial law and was jailed twice for his defense of freedom and democracy.

Meanwhile, Interior and Local Government Secretary Alfredo Lim urged government officials yesterday to relive the EDSA uprising by leading flag and banner raising ceremonies in their respective agencies.

Lim, a former Manila mayor, also called on local officials to lead a reunion march on EDSA at noon as part of the festivities of the People Power anniversary.

"I ask all local executives to likewise conduct activities that involve the youth so that future generations will never forget what EDSA stood for," he said. - With Gina Tabonares, Jerry Botial