A key player in a popular revolt that led to the ouster of former President Joseph Estrada said today that it is not all surprised by Malacanang’s pronouncement that the public should forget EDSA Dos.
“The soul of EDSA Dos has never been theirs,” Deputy minority leader and AKBAYAN Rep. Risa Hontiveros said. “The GMA administration was never an embodiment of what EDSA Dos stood for, a sore thumb in what we remember as an inspiring act of righteous indignation."
“Long after they have forgotten EDSA Dos, the people will still remember it and celebrate a heroic and historical moment that defined our nation,” she vowed.
“The government already pardoned Estrada. Coming from a government that has betrayed EDSA Dos several times, forgetting about it is hardly surprising,” she said. At least, with its decision, Malacañang doesn’t have to pretend any longer that it understands what the popular revolt was all about, according to Rep. Hontiveros.
The motivation behind the decision is also clear. “It was based on political accommodation, reconciliatory offer to end a conflict between warring poles in the elite. It wasn’t about healing the wounds created by EDSA Dos, which is premised on justice and reforms,” she added.
“If the government truly wants to put an end to alienation felt by Estrada supporters when he was ousted, it should have been serious in eradicating poverty, ending corruption, and strengthening democracy,” Rep, Hontiveros said.
Instead, the government became a symbol of EDSA Dos’ anti-thesis. “Poverty has gone so deep such it has become an assault against our collective dignity. Corruption has worsened, and the disconnection between public office and public trust has widened,” she said.
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