The foundations of Filipino society rests upon series of resistance, revolutions, and

movements that embody the common good of the people as its end. The most recent among
the major ones is perhaps demonstrated in the Second EDSA People Power Revolution for
the impeachment of the Former President Joseph Estrada in 2001. It is considered today by
historians as the first digital revolution in the Philippines and a manifestation of pure
democracy that starts and ends with the people.
The first strikes of the revolution came in the public revelation of information on the
President’t involvement in illegal gambling, bribery, graft and corruption, and betrayal of
public trust. It was publicized through the exposition of one of his close friends, Chavit
Singson, in which the media quickly spread the information. The news made an uproar all
over the country which triggered protests, petitions, and other movements putting the
accountability on the president by ouster and bringing him to justice through fair trial. It
proves that at that time, the freedom of the press substantiated itself as the vital part of
democracy to make the people aware of what is truly happening and voice out what must be
made known. The right to information made sure that no deed, whether good or bad, shall
pass without being known.
As a result, the movements then compelled the Congress to probe the issue, until
disclosure of evidences in the impeachment trial was declined by the majority vote of the
Senate. Those who voted for it got so upset to the point that even the Senate President who
was one of them, resigned from his post and walked out of the hall along with the rest. The
impeachment complaints followed the due process through Senate votes as prescribed by law,
but the results have shown outright injustice that turned blind eyes on the obvious fact that
there are discrepancies to be investigated. It is then imperative for any person of good
conscience and sanity to refuse taking part in the abuse of a system that is meant to process
and deliver only what is right. It can be reflected from it that the law will always have its flaw
and the potential to be abused. In the governance of democracy, justice and common good of
the people shall always prevail over all the others laws, especially in times of moral crisis.
As a critical response, the people have risen up and gathered at the historic EDSA
shrine to protest against the Senate decision and enforce the impeachment by virtue of people
power. The digital technology played a great role in this as crowds of students, activists,
artists, and other personalities flocked the site by inviting through text messages, calls, and
other possible means. It was only a matter of day when even the Military and the Police
withdrew their support from the President as the people finally installed the Vice-President
Gloria Arroyo as the acting President on the third day of the protests. Estrada questioned the
legality of their actions, but later on announced that he will be stepping down for public
reconciliation. This then exhibits the power of the people to decide and act for their own
good. It proves that the real power is not upon the rulers or the system, but the people who
chooses to submit to it. Not even the most powerful official of the land could ever stop the
people if they are united in resistance.
It was only in the Philippines where bloodless revolution is an iconic trademark. The
Filipino people firmly believes and acts upon the principles of democracy. The whole nation
knows that the greatest power resides not in authorities or in the system, but in the collective
will of the citizens. The EDSA II demonstrated the prowess of Filipino masses and connects
its roots to the foundation of a genuine democratic nation.