The EDSA People Power 1 Uprising showcased the collective action of the Filipino people in defeating martial rule and defying tyranny.  EDSA was the embodiment of a nation’s patriotism and unity in action. EDSA was People Power because it attested to the powers of a broad mass movement that marched as one to achieve a particular heroic goal.

Twenty-four years ago, for the youth of EDSA, it was yet another historic event that clinched its role as a significant political force and catalyst for change.  For the youth of today who were either too young or have not yet been born, EDSA remains a reminder of the youth’s role and responsibility in society.

As the May 2010 elections draws near, there is a need for today’s youth to relive not only the spirit but the action and political will for change that was EDSA.

The youth looks forward to the 2010 elections because it means an opportunity to elect new officials who would bring forth a new brand of politics of hope and change. We look forward to the 2010 polls because it is an opportunity to hold accountable perpetrators of injustice, plunder, widespread poverty, political turmoil and scandals, warlordism, one-sided foreign treaties, and the gravest human rights abuses since the martial law era.

However, then, as now, EDSA is not solely about the changing of a president in favor of a successor. Then, as now, EDSA is all about the youth and the people’s demands for accountability and justice to push the whole country forward. It is about the youth and the people working together to achieve significant strides in the struggle for meaningful changes in the system.

We, however, also await the 2010 elections not without a sense of foreboding caused by a public apprehension of government unpreparedness and lack of confidence in the new automated election system. Fears of a no-election or no-proclamation scenario are rampant. Talks of schemes to perpetuate the present administration in power have not been doused. Martial law remains a threat that could easily peek its ugly head at the behest of an executive order.

As the May 2010 elections draws near, the youth can and must, for our country’s sake, work together to develop another people power movement. Let the youth of today not only “remember” EDSA, but be empowered to act, practice vigilance, guard the sanctity of the ballots and look forward to work for a new brand of politics and governance. ###