GMA, Cory, FVR to grace People Power ’86 rites

President Arroyo, together with People Power II key figures Jaime Cardinal Sin and former presidents Cory Aquino and Fidel Ramos, will lead the nation in celebrating the 15th anniversary of the historic EDSA People Power I on Feb. 22-25.

The President will kick-off the observance of EDSA People Power ‘86 in a big rally at the Davao Centennial Plaza on Feb. 22 and will be at the other official activities in Metro Manila on Feb. 24 and 25.

According to Finance Secretary Alberto Romulo, chairman and Ramon del Rosario Jr., vice-chairman of the EDSA People Power Commission, the theme of the celebration is "Ang Sigaw ng Bayan: Pagbabago at Katarungan!" (Cry of the Nation: Transformation and Justice!)

The ‘86 People Power is the "mother" of People Power Dos that forced President Estrada to resign over charges of unexplained wealth to the tune of billions of pesos, bribery, plunder and loss of authority to govern.

EDSA People Power ‘86 resulted in the toppling of the Marcos dictatorship and the assumption into the presidency of Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, the widow of slain opposition leader, Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino.

People Power Dos, coming 15 years later, saw the assumption into office of another woman leader, Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the constitutional successor to deposed President Joseph Estrada.

In support of President Arroyo’s call for austerity and meaningful change, the EPPC has done away with lavish activities for the celebration. The EPPC will instead focus on encouraging the various sectors of society to foster transformative values, identify what they expect of the new politics’ "transparency and leadership by example" and support a government that will really be responsive to their aspirations.

This will be GMA’s first EDSA People Power celebration as president. Also a veteran of street marches like the ones mobilized for Estrada’s resignation, she will lead the traditional wreath-laying ceremonies at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Feb. 24, designated Military-PNP and Religious Day.