N.B. – In observance of Bloggers Action Week organized by the Bloggers’ Kapihan crew, please find below a slightly revised version of an essay I wrote in 2004, the original version of which may be retrieved from http://www.librarylink.org.ph/featarticle.asp?articleid=54.

I must confess: While cause-oriented groups and concerned individuals were already at the EDSA Shrine, I spent the whole morning making revisions to my MA thesis proposal on January 19, 2001!

I was supposed to do it the night before (January 18), but I was unfortunately invited by IBC Channel 13 to appear in its special coverage of the impeachment trial. I also failed to finish it earlier since I had to prepare a yearend economic briefing paper I presented at the IBON Birdtalk on January 11. The days after saw media interviews left and right regarding the statements I made, particularly Estrada’s ouster as a prerequisite to economic recovery.

On my way to De La Salle University (DLSU) where I was then enrolled in a graduate program, I heard on radio then President Joseph Estrada’s announcement that he had advised his lawyers to allow the opening of the controversial second envelope.

After submitting my paper to my thesis adviser and panelists at DLSU (and getting the assurance that I will be allowed to submit my thesis next semester), I then proceeded to the EDSA Shrine. As my FX ride reached Welcome Rotonda, I heard on radio the resignation of various government officials and there was also a report that PNP Chief Panfilo Lacson’s withdrawal of support was forthcoming.

“History is unfolding. Go to EDSA now!” I sent this text message to my Journalism students as the FX reached Cubao. Some replied they were already there, while others stated their dilemma of not yet finishing the paper I had required them to submit the next day (January 20).

I told them to temporarily forget about the deadline since their presence at the EDSA Shrine is more important. Upon reaching EDSA — after walking from VV Soliven, negotiating my way through the already mammoth crowd — I immediately went to the UP College of Mass Communication (CMC) tent just beside the EDSA south-bound traffic light. Not surprisingly, I saw most of my students there.

“Times like these bring out the militant in all of us,” I jokingly told a student who admitted being apathetic at first.

I spent the whole night with them, telling stories about EDSA 1 in 1986 and how President Estrada plundered the economy based on the researches I did for IBON Foundation where I was then employed as Research Head.

We also traded various Erap jokes, and we all laughed at the pathetic statement of Erap’s call for a snap election. And then I also remembered all of us cheering after hearing on radio Lacson’s call for Estrada to resign.

For me, EDSA 2 was a sight to behold, as the power of the people is not just manifested by the numbers but by the sheer resolve for social change.

It is unfortunate that, at present, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo does not have the political will to effect social change. The promises of EDSA are conveniently forgotten as the chronic crisis still exists.

If there is one lesson that can be learned as we commemorate EDSA 2, it is the people’s commitment to social change and their resolve to act and contend when necessary.

Indeed, revolution remains an option for those who are deprived, especially in a situation where societal structures and institutions fail to look after the welfare of the marginalized.