FVR ‘reenacts’ EDSA People Power jump for 32nd time

For 32 years in a row, former President Fidel V. Ramos, who will turn 90 next month, repeated his famous EDSA People Power jump on Sunday -though less in vigor and intensity – to mark the 32nd anniversary of the historic civilian-backed military 1986 bloodless revolt that toppled the authoritarian Marcos regime. (Photo By Robert D. Ward, Public Domain)

MANILA — For 32 years in a row, former President Fidel V. Ramos, who will turn 90 next month, repeated his famous EDSA People Power jump on Sunday -though less in vigor and intensity – to mark the 32nd anniversary of the historic civilian-backed military 1986 bloodless revolt that toppled the authoritarian Marcos regime.

Ramos was one of the key players during the four-day EDSA People Power on Feb. 22-25, 1986. The others were former Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, Sen. Gringo Honasan, Jaime Cardinal Sin, and Butz S. Aquino, brother of assassinated Sen. Benigno S. Aquino Jr.

Upon learning that Marcos and his family had fled Malacanang Palace at the height of the 25 February 1986 bloodless revolt, Ramos, who was then the Armed Forces vice chief of staff and chief of the Philippine Constabulary and Integrated National Police (PC/INP), jumped with joy.

For the past 32 years, Ramos always makes a point to repeat his now famous EDSA jump during its anniversary.

The former President who turned to column writing as his hobby in a national daily renewed his call for all Filipinos to work together as Team Philippines to move the country.

“The Spirit of EDSA emanates from the Filipinos’ act of unselfish caring, sharing and daring for the common good – of believing that significant change could be achieved through lawful but courageous acts and decisions. Our People Power Revolution at EDSA could have ended in massive bloodshed. But, by God’s merciful wisdom, the 1986 EDSA crisis was resolved peacefully – and triumphantly – resulting in bloodless regime change that restored our democracy and civilian supremacy,” Ramos said in his Sunday column.

He continued: “Still, many wonders: Why did EDSA in February 1986 happen? Why did more than a million people, armed only with their convictions, democratic faith, and God’s protection, defy overwhelming odds – the threat of tanks, artillery, helicopter gunships, fighter planes and combat troops which could likely inflict sudden death or grievous injury?

“The answer simply is this: we gathered at EDSA and made our stand against dictatorship because we loved freedom, and were tired of the political system imposed upon us. We wanted our freedoms back plus a better future for ourselves and for those after us.

“The Spirit of EDSA teaches us that every citizen – poor or rich, young or old, lowly or elite, Grade IV dropout or Harvard Ph.D., can make a vital difference by respecting the law, paying our taxes, raising a proper family, and helping those in need.

“Whoever today treasures the Spirit of EDSA must first internalize it by doing some positive acts to CARE, SHARE and DARE for others. Those in authority now – wherever they were in February 1986 – should today champion the SPIRIT OF EDSA, and spread it by word and deed, especially to younger Filipinos. This means taking actions that enhance, not diminish our democracy; curb corruption and cronyism; undertake poverty alleviation and social reform; and insure justice is delivered to the suffering and powerless.

“The Spirit of EDSA does not belong only to the past. It belongs to the present and to the future. The Spirit of EDSA, indeed, belongs to all time. Like it or not, our People Power Revolution at EDSA is a continuing revolution – an unfulfilled vision we must win without further loss of time and goodwill.”

Ramos also said that unity, solidarity, and teamwork would enable the Philippines to succeed in hurdling problems in the country.