Marking the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, Senator Kiko Pangilinan reflected on the power of collective action, saying that history has shown how what once seemed impossible can become reality when people unite for the common good.
“Nagiging posible ang imposible sa sama-samang pagkilos ng sari-saring sektor para sa kapakanan ng nakakarami,” the veteran legislator said in a statement commemorating the 1986 uprising that ended two decades of authoritarian rule and restored democratic institutions in the Philippines.
Pangilinan, who was among the student activists who fought against the dictatorship and later chose to pursue reform through the electoral process, recalled how EDSA transformed the political landscape of the country.
“Naging posible ang imposible sa EDSA 40 years ago, nang matapos ang 20-year na one-man rule, at naibalik ang mga institusyon ng demokrasya tulad ng Senado at ng malayang pamamahayag,” the seasoned lawmaker said.
The senator drew parallels between the historic revolt and his own political journey, noting how public support can defy expectations.
“Naging posible ang imposible noong halalan ng nakaraan taon nang lumundag ang ating ranking mula 17 hanggang 5 at napasama sa winning circle.”
“Naging posible ang imposible noong halalan ng nakaraan taon nang lumundag ang ating ranking mula 17 hanggang 5 at napasama sa winning circle,” he said.
Invoking faith and collective effort, Pangilinan added: “Sa awa ng Diyos at sa kilos ng tao, nangyari ang lahat ng ito at marami pang iba.”
Looking ahead, he expressed hope that the same spirit of unity could address longstanding economic and governance issues.
“Mananagot ang mga smuggler, hoarder, at mga kasabwat sa burukrasya.”
Pangilinan added, “Sa awa ng Diyos at sa kilos ng tao, tataas ang kita ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda, at bababa ang presyo ng mga bilihin. Mananagot ang mga smuggler, hoarder, at mga kasabwat sa burukrasya.”
He also pointed to reforms in politics and governance, declaring that “Ending nepotism in politics will likewise become possible, and the corrupt will be held to account and will be put in jail.”
As the country commemorates 40 years since EDSA, Pangilinan emphasized that the revolution’s legacy lies not only in remembrance but in reforms.
“Magiging posible ang tila imposible sa sama-samang pagkilos ng iba’t ibang sektor para sa kapakanan ng pinakaaba at pinakamaliliit sa ating lipunan,” he concluded.
