Duterte wants inclusive 32nd people power rites

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte will not attend the 32nd anniversary celebration of the EDSA People Power revolution on Sunday.

Pastor Boy Saycon, a member of the EDSA People Power Commission, said the celebration will include citizens from all groups to make the event inclusive, and will not only involve the current opposition that are identified with the “yellow  group” that joined the popular uprising that toppled strongman Ferdinand Marcos from power.

“EDSA is not just for the yellow but for everyone. We invited them, this (celebration) is not exclusive but inclusive,” Saycon said.

He said President Duterte directed the commission to invite various officials including former president Benigno Aquino III, Vice President Leni Robredo, former Speaker and now Quezon City Rep. Feliciano Belmonte and several others.
Saycon said the President could not attend the People Power celebration because he will be in Davao.

“He (Duterte) will celebrate it the way he remembered celebrating it with his mother in Davao City,” Saycon told reporters during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum yesterday.

He said the commission could not limit the celebration and they invited other organizations to hold their programs on EDSA.

Saycon said they invited former president Aquino but he has not sent word on his attendance.

At least 25,000 government employees would be tapped to help in the celebration on Feb. 25.

Saycon said the focal point of the event will be former  president Fidel V. Ramos, former senator Juan Ponce Enrile and Sen. Gregorio Honasan as heroes who led the EDSA revolt.

He said there will be a mass in the morning on Feb. 25 to be followed by a flag raising ceremony. Other events will be held on Feb. 22, 23, 24 and 25 as part of the celebration of the EDSA People Power celebration.

The EDSA People Power commemorates the peaceful demonstrations that occurred in 1986 and led to the overthrow of dictator Marcos.

Saycon said the commission approved other events submitted by other organizations.

“We are fast-tracking the preparation for the EDSA People Power celebration. There will be wreath-laying at the Libingan ng mga Bayani to be led by former president Fidel Ramos,” he said.

Saycon said the 25,000 government personnel will be from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and local government units under Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista.

He added that one or two lanes of EDSA near the EDSA People Power Monument would be used during the celebration to minimize the obstruction and traffic to be caused on Sunday.