Today marks the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, a historic uprising that restored democracy to the Philippines. From February 22 to 25, 1986, Filipinos united in a peaceful movement, proving that true power belongs to the people.

The Upsilon Sigma Phi proudly honors its brothers who played pivotal roles in the struggle for freedom and democracy in the Philippines.

𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘃𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿 𝗣. 𝗟𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘇 ‘𝟯𝟯 was the president of the University of the Philippines during Martial Law who defended academic freedom and stood against military encroachment. His leadership during the First Quarter Storm and Diliman Commune helped spark student activism against Marcos.

𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗼 "𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆" 𝗥𝗼𝘅𝗮𝘀 ‘𝟰𝟲 was a senator and co-chair of UNIDO who stood alongside Ninoy Aquino in opposing the dictatorship. Though he passed in 1982, his relentless fight for democracy helped lay the groundwork for EDSA.

𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘃𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿 "𝗗𝗼𝘆" 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗹 ‘𝟰𝟳 was a key opposition figure who founded the United Nationalist Democratic Organization (UNIDO) to unite anti-Marcos forces. He later became Vice President and played a crucial role in the post-EDSA government.

𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗼 "𝗝𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗿" 𝗔𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘆𝗼 ‘𝟰𝟴 was a fearless human rights lawyer who defended political prisoners, challenged Marcos’ repressive decrees, and co-founded the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG). He later served as a senator and remained a staunch advocate for justice.

𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗼 "𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗼𝘆" 𝗔𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗝𝗿. ‘𝟱𝟬 was the most prominent opposition leader against the Marcos dictatorship. Imprisoned for seven years during Martial Law and later exiled, his assassination on August 21, 1983, became the catalyst for nationwide resistance, ultimately leading to the EDSA Revolution.

Benjamin "Behn" Cervantes '58 was a revolutionary filmmaker and activist who used cinema and theater to expose the regime’s abuses. His major film Sakada revealed the exploitative feudal agricultural system of the time. The film was later banned, and he was jailed multiple times for his outspoken resistance.

𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗴 ‘𝟴𝟰 was a young lieutenant in 1986 who joined the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM) and helped protect Radio Veritas, the opposition’s key communication hub during the revolution. He later became the AFP Chief of Staff.

As we commemorate this historic event, let us renew our commitment to upholding democracy, justice, and good governance. The spirit of EDSA lives on in our continued pursuit of a just and free society.

Source: Upsilon Sigma Phi Facebook page