Aquino, Pangilinan Reflect on EDSA’s Legacy at 40

Senators marked the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution by emphasizing that its legacy continues to shape the country’s democratic journey today.

Senator Bam Aquino described the historic uprising not as a conclusion, but as the beginning of a broader national responsibility to remain vigilant in protecting democratic values. Coming from a family closely associated with the 1986 revolution, Aquino highlighted how ordinary Filipinos once stood their ground through peaceful means.

“Ang EDSA ay hindi wakas kundi simula pa lamang ng mas mahabang paglalakbay bilang isang bayan. Kaya’t isa itong panawagan at hamon na magkaisa, makilahok, at manindigan para sa tama,” Aquino said in a Facebook post.

In a separate interview, he referred to EDSA as an “unfinished revolution,” noting that the pursuit of democratic ideals continues amid present-day governance challenges.

Senator Kiko Pangilinan echoed the sentiment, pointing to EDSA as a turning point where collective action led to the restoration of key democratic institutions.

“The impossible became possible in EDSA 40 years ago, when the 20-year one-man rule ended and returned the institutions of democracy like the Senate and free press,” Pangilinan said.

He added that the spirit of unity seen during the revolution serves as a reminder that reforms benefiting marginalized sectors can still be achieved through shared efforts.

“The impossible will once again become possible through the collective action of various sectors, for the sake of the least and the most vulnerable,” Pangilinan said.