February 25, 1986. The day Filipinos reclaimed their long-lost freedom.
After three days of a mass gathering of hundreds of thousands of Filipinos forming a human wall defying orders from Malacanang to disperse — to show a stand against dictatorship — along the main thoroughfare that is known as EDSA, democracy was restored.
A lot has changed since Filipinos were able to topple a dictatorship. Thirty-six years and several technological innovations later, is the gift of EDSA— freedom, and democracy— still vibrant and triumphant in this day and age of social media?
Two social media influencers/content creators weighed in and shared with us what they think happened to the spirit of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.
Serving its purpose
Shayne Araullo (who has 48.7 thousand followers and 1.1 million likes on Tiktok) believes EDSA served its purpose of freeing the people from over a decade of authoritarian rule.
“The road to what we have today was not easy and simple, but democracy is better than authoritarianism,” she said.
Reb Atadero (who has 229.4 thousand followers and 2.9 million likes on his skits and education videos on Tiktok) agreed that the revolution served its purpose but the problem was what came after.
“When you’re able to depose a dictator, that’s a great thing. That’s the point—we wanted our freedom back,” he said.
“The problem is the changes that happened right after hindi siya na-prolong. Hindi siya tumatak, hindi siya na-ingrain after that generation (were not prolonged. It did not leave a mark. It was not ingrained in the next generation),” he added.
“Parang ang bilis nawala ng effect (Its effect seemed to have passed quickly) and I think we are taking it for granted. We have been taking it for granted,” he continued.
Using their influence
Shayne, who got a boost in her Tiktok followers due to her comedy skits and gaming content, said she prefers to use her other social media accounts to reach more people when it comes to politics like the EDSA Revolution.
“I prefer to use my other social media accounts such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter in sharing facts and voicing my opinions as these platforms, I believe, reach more people I know and I am able to engage with them,” she said.
“I do share photos, info sheets, videos about EDSA, and other political contents to educate people. I mean, try ,” she added.
Meanwhile, Reb, who is also an actor, singer, and host, believes it is his responsibility to do what the people back in 1986 did— to dare ask the right questions and engage with other people about the topic.
“I think it’s my civic duty as a Filipino to be able to have these conversations because they’re important,” he said.
He, however, regretted how there are social media exchanges about politics that end in fights instead of healthy discussion. Still, he tries his best to respectfully engage with people who comment on his Tiktok videos and Facebook posts.
“People don’t understand political conversations most of the time. Most of the time, nauuwi siya sa away at bangayan, instead na nagpapalitan tayo ng kuro-kuro, nagpapalitan tayo ng views (it turns into a heated argument instead of us exchanging thoughts and views),” he said.
“Now I am fortunate enough to have some kind of platform, I want to instill that level of discourse and decency, especially sa kabataan (on the youth). We don’t want them to lose their way. That’s what’s at stake,” he added.
The cost of freedom
Both Reb and Shayne agree that in the age of social media, the freedom of speech that was given back to Filipinos through the first People Power Revolution is being abused, especially with the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
Reb said it is perfectly fine for everybody to express their opinions on social media but he hoped everyone will be responsible for what they post.
“Free speech is good, that’s what they fought for. That was the spirit of EDSA. But also, free speech does not mean a license to spread misinformation, license to spread lies,” he said.
“It’s okay to have an opinion, that’s fine. What’s happening is a lot of people seem to hide behind keyboards—they seem to think that they’re free from the consequences,” he added.
“Yun yung nagiging problema. Parang wala nang accountability pagdating sa mga ganyang bagay (That’s the problem. It seems there’s no accountability when it comes to that issue),” he added.
To Shayne, social media users have their role to play as well.
“Nothing beats being a responsible digital citizen. This means not sharing any fake news or dis/misinformation,” she said.
“If you are on the other end, also check the source and the facts stated. This means that do not take any image at face value. It’s all about discernment and critical thinking,” she added.
The role of the media
Reb highlighted the importance of the role of the media in spreading information because, unlike social media personalities, media people can be easily held accountable.
“That’s the advantage of a publication, of a news organization. They have somebody overseeing these things,” he said.
“Sa social media walang ganoon (Social media doesn’t have that). The gloves are off... What’s happening is normal everyday people are the ones doing it on their own (Holding fake news peddlers accountable). But what’s the power of that? So nagta-translate lang siya sa away (It just ends in arguments),” he added.
He likewise lamented how social media platforms seem to just let acts of misinformation pass, noting how there are still people who intentionally post incorrect or inaccurate information online.
“Their currency is reactions. It’s not about what the posts are saying. It’s how many people get angry; how many people leave it a heart,” Reb said.
Sometimes what they’re saying is an obvious lie. It’s not backed by any kind of fact or research or any attachment to reality but just because it has many reactions, it’s being pushed and it’s outshining the actual news,” he said in Filipino.
“These social media companies have to be able to regulate this,” he continued.
To the younger generation
Shayne hopes the younger generation will realize that EDSA is more than just heavy traffic.
“EDSA is more than just heavy traffic. It is the place where brave Filipinos stood up against oppression resulting in the freedom you are enjoying today,” she said.
“May you never forget what happened along EDSA,” she added.
For Reb, he wished that the younger generation will not take the sacrifice of their elders for granted.
How will you feel if the legacy you left behind will be tainted by another angle, he said in Filipino.
“Yung lahat ng ipinaglaban mo, lahat ng pinagtrabahuhan mo, biglang mauuwi na lang sa, ‘Ay, natalo ng isang Tiktok post’ (Everything you fought and worked hard for will just be beaten by a Tiktok post). Is history really that fragile?” he added.