By Abigail Kwok
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 18:32:00 02/24/2010
Filed Under: People power, Police, Military
MANILA, Philippines—For former President Fidel Ramos, there is no exclusivity of the "spirit of EDSA."
"The Spirit of EDSA belongs to the people, particularly to the younger Filipinos and our impoverished kababayans (fellowmen). It is not the exclusive property of any military commander, neither any religious personality, neither any political leader. It does not belong to any single political party, neither any special cluster of advocates," Ramos said in a speech commemorating the 24th anniversary of the Edsa People Power revolt that ousted the Marcos dictatorship.
Ramos, who served as vice chief of staff of the Armed forces during the Marcos regime, led over a thousand military and police personnel in the "salubungan," a re-enactment of the historic event on February 24, 1986 where government troops marched in defiance of then President Ferdinand Marcos.
During the re-enactment, Ramos and the military and police contingents marched from Camp Aguinaldo's Gate 3 along EDSA up to the People Power Monument, where they were met by Representative Agapito ``Butz’’ Aquino.
With Ramos are retired AFP generals, including former police chief Avelino Razon and Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.
In his speech, Ramos criticized the apparent "lack of interest" and "enthusiasm" of many Filipinos, especially elected government officials.
"The evident lack of interest, much less enthusiasm, in this 24th anniversary celebration of our first People Power Revolution on the part of many of our people is deplorable -- and inexcusable for officials elected to positions of responsibility in government," Ramos said.
He said that he would have wanted that the government commemorate the People Power anniversary by "thanksgiving and people empowerment activities," like SME exhibits, agricultural and job fairs, sports and educational tournaments, and bonding of civilians with the military.
Nevertheless, Ramos said that the "Spirit of EDSA" should not be lost.
Meanwhile, Ermita said that through the annual celebration, "The important thing is, that is precisely what we the elderly ones to reinvigorate and rekindle the interest of our people."
A total of 700 policemen joined members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the march that started at 3:30 p.m.
Leaflets bearing the lyrics of "Bayan Ko" and Magkaisa" were handed out to motorists.
Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.n
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