MANILA, Philippines — Both President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, the country’s two highest-ranking leaders, have gone radio silent on the 39th commemoration of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

As of press time, both Marcos and Duterte have yet to release their statements on the commemoration.  

The event drew thousands of protesters and a few lawmakers calling for reforms on various issues, including the economy, human rights, and Duterte’s possible impeachment.  

The commemoration was not declared a public holiday, but Malacañang defended its decision, stating that the public could still freely observe the anniversary.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro made the remark after Marcos appeared to have downgraded the Edsa People Power anniversary from a holiday, as it was under previous administrations.

“Feb. 25 is declared as a special working day, and I think it is the prerogative of the President. “When we say [a] special working day, still there is encouragement to the people to commemorate, to join any event and it will not hinder any activity to commemorate Edsa People Power,” said Castro in a Palace press conference.   

Unlike other holidays, corporations and schools had the discretion to suspend operations. 

For some local government units, the 39th EDSA People Power anniversary was a no-work, no-pay day.

Although the president did not acknowledge the commemoration as a regular holiday, Castro noted that Marcos did not stop any activities and demonstrations related to the celebration since he became the president.

The People Power Revolution, also called the EDSA Revolution, was a series of demonstrations in Metro Manila, from February 22 to 25, 1986. It was a peaceful uprising against the Marcos dictatorship’s violence and election fraud.  

The movement forced the Marcos family into exile, including a young Bongbong Marcos—who would become president over three decades later.