Duterte hails People Power Revolution, tells Filipinos to honor democracy

President Rodrigo Duterte acknowledged the 36th anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution, asking Filipinos to honor the memory of the peaceful revolution that reclaimed the nation's democracy.

He stated that the revolution paved the way for a better Philippines and emphasized the importance of unity, cooperation, and faith in achieving collective goals for the country's greater good.

Duterte called on Filipinos to honor and thank those who continue to keep alive the legacy of the 1986 People Power Revolution which contributed to the ouster of Ferdinand Marcos and the end of his two-decade rule.

During the Marcos dictatorship, 70,000 people were detained, 34,000 were tortured, and more than 3,000 people were killed, according to Amnesty International.

He encouraged Filipinos to emulate the heroism, selflessness, and compassion of the People Power participants as they navigate current challenges and work towards a more prosperous nation.

Duterte said that, in the present day, it's government frontliners, healthcare workers, and calamity responders who embody the "true essence" of People Power.

The President's mother, Soling Duterte, was noted to have been a leader among the groups opposing the Marcos dictatorship.

Duterte is not scheduled to attend any EDSA Revolution commemorative activity.