Duterte urges Filipinos to enrich democracy in EDSA day message

President Rodrigo R. Duterte urged Filipinos to enrich the state’s democracy as the country commemorates the 32nd anniversary of the People Power Revolution on Sunday. (TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)

MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte urged Filipinos to enrich the state’s democracy as the country commemorates the 32nd anniversary of the People Power Revolution on Sunday.

In his EDSA anniversary message, Duterte said the 1986 revolt that toppled the 21-year rule of then President Ferdinand Marcos, has shown the world “a people’s courage and resolve can alter the course of our nation’s history.”

Duterte said since then, the event also became a symbol of determination to fight for what is right.

“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,” Duterte said.

The President said that an empowered citizenry is what it takes to further enrich the state’s democracy.

“Let us further enrich our democracy by empowering our citizenry, defending their rights and strengthening the institutions that safeguard their freedom,” he added.

Meanwhile, he expressed hope that the occasion would foster unity and solidarity as the people pursue common hopes and aspirations for the nation.

On Friday, Malacañang confirmed that Duterte will again skip this year’s EDSA celebration in Manila since he will be in his hometown city Davao.

Duterte regularly visits Davao city on weekends.

In 2017, Duterte also skipped the EDSA anniversary rites at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City to attend the relaunch of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in Davao city.