Duterte urges Filipinos to ‘further enrich democracy’ on EDSA anniversary

MANILA, Philippines — “Let us further enrich our democracy.”

This was the message of President Rodrigo Duterte, who has been accused of having strongman-like tendencies, in commemorating the 32nd anniversary of a bloodless revolution that toppled the dictatorship of late Ferdinand Marcos.

“More than three decades ago, we have shown the world how a people’s courage and resolve can alter the course of our nation’s history,” Duterte said.

“Since then, the People Power Revolution has become the enduring symbol of our determination to fight for what is right and — during our country’s most crucial and trying times — to defend and uphold our cherished democratic values,” he added.

Early this month, the hugely popular Duterte defended his “strongman” style of leadership, saying the country would make no progress if he did not act like a “dictator.”

Malacañang on Friday confirmed that Duterte will not join the 32nd EDSA People Power anniversary celebration in Manila on February 25—the second time the maverick leader decided to skip the commemoration of the historic event.

In 1972, tens of thousands of suspected communist rebels and political foes were killed when Marcos, whom Duterte considers as “the best president ever,” declared martial law and ruled the country with an iron fist for two decades.

Accused of committing massive human rights violations and plundering billions of dollars from state coffers, Marcos was ousted by a bloodless, army-backed uprising in 1986.

Despite the death of the dictator while in exile in 1989, his family has been making a political comeback with his widow and their children becoming powerful politicians.

Critics fear history is repeating itself amid alleged human rights abuses in Duterte’s deadly drug war and declaration of martial law in Mindanao.

Saying he was just fulfilling a campaign promise, Duterte in 2016 ordered the military to bury Marcos at the Heroes’ Cemetery, a move that triggered scattered protests around the country.

In its world threat assessment published last week, the US intelligence noted that democracy and human rights in many Southeast Asian countries will remain "fragile" this year, including in the Philippines.

"In the Philippines, President Duterte will continue to wage his signature campaign against drugs, corruption, and crime," the report read.