By The Bedan Herald| Febuary 25, 2023
By The Bedan Herald| Febuary 25, 2023
ON February 25, 1986, EDSA People Power Revolution took place—a history-making event coined as the “bloodless revolution” due to its successful execution through the use of “people power.” It has been celebrated on the 25th of February, and declared a Special Non-Working Holiday in Proclamation No. 42 and Proclamation No. 90. On February 23, 2023, the public was shocked by the sudden announcement of the Malacañang Palace that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. had declared February 24 a Special Non-Working Holiday for reasons of Holiday Economics via Proclamation 167. Let us dissect the new proclamation and its implications in the past, present, and future.
For those with little to no knowledge of laws and proclamations, the amendment of a certain proclamation means that whatever it says on the new proclamation shall be observed “in lieu” or “instead” of the previous proclamation. Therefore, in this case, the movement of the celebration of the EDSA Day to February 24 as a Special Non- Working Holiday, in turn, makes February 25, which was the previous date of celebration, a Regular Working Holiday. Although Proclamation 167 specified that the significance of the latter date is maintained and that this was done to satisfy Holiday Economics, this poses a threat to history, common knowledge, and education. In the eyes of a child or a common man, a non-working day signifies the celebration of an event; however, having that actual event be a working day can create confusion as to when the event really took place. It can suggest that EDSA Day happened on the 24th and not the 25th. This would change the public’s perspective on the date of the 25th from being a day of significance to a day of regular work or school.
The sudden movement of the dates so close to the actual celebration presents speculation about its motives. Perhaps done to prevent opposing the said proclamation in time before the celebration of EDSA Day. It may also have been done to prevent rallies, protests, or other events dedicated on the 25th from being successful or prosperous, as those who have work or school on the 25th would have to choose whether to attend these events or abide by their work or school schedule.
The change was definitely felt throughout the country. As seen in San Beda College Alabang, where student events planned for the 24th have been jeopardized and will have uncertainty in their commencement moving on. As well as students who had already planned endeavors for the 25th now had to prepare for regular classes.
Despite this schedule fiasco, let us all adhere and be sturdy in commemorating such a momentous and historical event. Remember the mistakes made in the past, be vigilant in the present, and ensure that history will never be re-written for our future.
Volume 28 | Issue 3