President Duterte to skip once again EDSA People Power Celebration

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Manila Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte has no plans to attend the incoming Anniversary Celebration of EDSA People Power on Sunday, February 25. 

The People Power Revolution popularly known as EDSA Revolution and the Philippine Revolution of 1986 was a series of demonstration. It was also called as "Yellow Revolution" because of the presence of yellow ribbons following the assassination of the Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr in 1983. 

The celebration will be on February 25, Sunday, with the theme “Edsa 2018: Effecting Change Towards Strengthened Democracy.”

It was confirmed when National Historical Commision of the Philippines (NHCP) Chairman Dr. Rene Escalente, when they invited the President to come on the historical People Power Celebration. 

“Naimbita po natin ang Pangulo at sumulat siya sa akin. May importanteng lakad daw siya sa Mindanao kaya hindi po siya makakadalo,” said NHCP chairman Dr. Rene Escalante.

The President was scheduled to be on Davao during the EDSA People Power Anniversary Celebration, He said, 'Wala naman ako diyan (EDSA People Power) and I want to spend it with my people in Davao,'"

We all know that President Duterte has been very open and vocal to the public how he admire former President and dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who he also allowed the late burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in 2016 after the final go signal in the Supreme Court. 

To clarify things, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra said then, Duterte's connection with the Marcos Family was not the reason why Malacañang chose to have a simpler EDSA People Power Revolution commemoration. Duterte still supports the spirit of celebration of the EDSA People Power Anniversary. 

EDSA People Power Commission (EPPC) vice chairperson Joey Concepcion said then that Duterte's absence should not mean that the event was not important to him.

"I don’t think so. I mean, if his schedule is busy, he has a reason that he can’t attend. Many people will be attending, the Executive Secretary will be there," Concepcion said in February 2018. 

Meanwhile, Duterte wants every body including his critics to attend this year's commemorative activities for the EDSA People Power Anniversary. It was according to People Power Commission member Pastor "Boy" Saycon. 

He mentioned that it is going to be a new one, because before some were not invited on the said even the Commissioner pointed out. 

 "I'm telling everyone as commissioner. Everyone is welcome to go to EDSA, hindi po katulad no'ng mga nakalipas na EDSA," he added.

The yellow supported were surely expecting to attend as well and on other commemorative activities starting on February 22. It will include Vice President Leni Robredo, and former House speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., he said.

Former President Fidel V. Ramos is also expected to join February 22 at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. 

MMDA also announced EDSA Traffic rerouting for People Power Celebration. 

MMDA are reminding everyone that some portion will be closed and not available to motorists on Sunday for the 32nd People Power Anniversary. 

MMDA announced that the Ortigas Section Avenue to northbound and Santolan Road will be close partially from 12 AM to 6 AM. 

Two outer lanes will also be close while the three inner lanes from EDSA Ortigas Flyover will also give way commuters up to Aguinaldo Gate. 

Affected motorists were advised to not go on the following roads instead follow the alternate routes nearby: 

ALONG EDSA (SOUTHBOUND)

– Right to Aurora Boulevard or Santolan
– Left turn to Gilmore or Ortigas
– Right to Edsa to destination
– Right turn to Katipunan or Libis-C5 Road to destination

ALONG EDSA (NORTHBOUND)

– Right turn to Kalayaan/ Shaw Boulevard/Ortigas, left turn to C5 Road to destination or
– Left turn to Ortigas towards Greenhills, right turn to Santolan to destination
– Right turn to Ortigas or left Ortigas flyover towards Greenhills, right turn to destination

MMDA expecting a high volume of visitors and supporters to participate in the whole day Celebration of EDSA People Power Anniversary. 



SOURCE: Inquirer, GMA News, ABSCBN