40 Years Later: The 'Special Working' Revolution

February 25, 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution — the bloodless uprising that toppled the Marcos dictatorship and became a global symbol of peaceful democratic resistance. Filipinos gathered along EDSA to commemorate the historic moment with rallies, remembrance ceremonies, and renewed calls for accountability.

Here's the delicious irony: the son of the dictator kicked out in 1986 is now president during the 40th anniversary celebration. Bongbong Marcos Jr. presides over commemorations of the revolution that sent his family packing to Hawaii. You can't write satire better than reality.

Adding to the absurdity: the government declared February 25 a 'special working holiday,' creating mass confusion over wage rules. Is it a holiday? Are we working? Are we celebrating democracy or just... showing up? The bureaucratic muddle feels like a perfect metaphor for the revolution's 'unfinished business.'

Democracy: Please hold. Your revolution is important to us. Estimated completion time: still calculating.

Both rallies along EDSA on February 25 highlighted what protesters called the 'unfinished fight' — ending corruption and political dynasties. Forty years later, the same family is back in power, and the same demands echo through the streets. The yellow ribbons still wave. The L signs still flash. The revolution, it seems, is a work in progress.

So here's to 40 years of People Power — and to however many more years it takes to actually finish the job. Keep those yellow ribbons handy. We're going to need them.