The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) lamented the similar instances currently happening – “killings, violence, attacks against journalists, and deficiencies in government’s response to vulnerable sectors” – which are “reminiscent of the tyranny” experienced during the martial law regime.

But it said the commemoration of the 36th year of the EDSA People Power Revolution on Friday, Feb. 25, should be an opportunity for Filipinos to strengthen their advocacy for the right to truth and ensure that violations and abuses are not repeated.

"Pinapaalalahanan natin ang lahat, lalo na ang mga kabataan na siyang huhubog sa kinabukasan, na kung paano natin natatandaan ang kasaysayan ay may malaking epekto sa pagharap natin sa mga kasalukuyang hamon at paghubog ng ating hinaharap, (We remind everyone, especially the youth who will shape the future, that how we remember history has a huge impact on how we face current challenges and shape our future),” the CHR said in a statement.

It pointed out that the EDSA People Power Revolution is an important period in history that demonstrates the courage of Filipinos to stand up for freedom, human rights, and democracy.

It was during this time that the rest of the world stood in awe of the Filipino people for waging a peaceful revolution to eradicate violence, corruption, and abuse of power during the martial law era, it stressed.

"Sa ating pagdiriwang, sariwain natin ang diwa at mga aral ng EDSA People Power. Pangunahin dito ay ang kakayahan nating magsulong ng mga positibong pagbabago sa mapayapang paraan at ang kapasidad natin na magkaisa laban sa anumang pang-aabuso at pagyurak sa karapatan at dignidad, (In our celebration, let us refresh the spirit and teachings of EDSA People Power. Central to this is our ability to promote positive changes in a peaceful way and our capacity to unite against any abuse and violation of rights and dignity)," it said.

"Bilang pagkilala sa mga sakripisyo at pagdurusa ng mga lumaban sa kalupitan ng Batas Militar, mahalaga na patuloy tayong manindigan laban sa anumang uri ng pang-aabuso sa kapangyarihan; kawalan ng hustisya; at, pagyurak sa katotohanan, (In recognition of the sacrifices and sufferings of those who resisted the brutality of Martial Law, it is important that we continue to stand up against any form of abuse of power; injustice; and trampling of the truth)," it also said.

"Lahat tayo ay may tungkulin na tandaan ang kasaysayan para maprotektahan ang ating bayan sa iba't ibang porma ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao na kalimitang nanggagaling sa authoritarian na estilo ng pamamahala, (We all have a duty to remember history in order to protect our country from the various forms of human rights violations that often come from authoritarian style of governance)," it added.