Duterte skips EDSA rites but issues message
SKIPPING the EDSA People Power anniversary rites for the third time, President Rodrigo R. Duterte nevertheless issued a presidential message saying “I join the Filipino people in commemorating the 33rd Anniversary of the People Power Revolution.” The message also read in part, “As the entire nation prepares for the upcoming Midterm Elections this May, let us always remember how this historic revolution restored our power to collectively chart our future through the ballot.” For its part, the opposition Otso Diretso senatorial ticket, a number of them direct heirs to the People Power legacy, said, “Pilit ibinabalik ng kasalukuyang gobyerno ang madilim na bahagi ng kasaysayan na naranasan na ng mga Pilipino mahigit 30 taon na ang nakararaan.” (This government is forcing the return of a dark chapter in our history). On the eve of the People Power commemoration, Mr. Duterte also vowed, “I will really finish the war against drugs in three years time,” the remainder of his term. “My time now is the most dangerous for the drug addicts and pushers. I will never let this pass,” he also said in Cebu City that Sunday.
