The EDSA People Power Revolution: Why do we celebrate it as a Holiday?

The EDSA People Power Revolution: Why is it a Holiday?

Here's what we know:

Today, we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Philippine Democracy.

In 1986, over a million filipinos participated in peaceful demonstrations in EDSA. The demonstrations spanned for 4 days and those peaceful demonstrations led to then-president Ferdinand Marcos' departure and the end of his 20 year presidency.

This February 25, we are celebrating one of the most impactful political events in the country, one that led to the creation of a new constitution that the Filipino people ratified on Feb. 2, 1987, barely a year after the revolution.

So, why is it a holiday?

The EDSA People Power started a revolution not just in the Philippines but also inspired other countries who were under unfavored political situations at the time to follow suit. It inspired a call for a change of government through peaceful protests rather than violent riots and bloodshed.

Many similar revolutions have occurred since the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, following the Philippines’ demonstration of a nonviolent protest for regime change. The Philippines set an example as the first ever nonviolent, bloodless revolution. Not a single shot was fired during the 4-day revolution.

The anniversary of the people power revolution is always celebrated on the 25th of February, commemorating the first ever nonviolent protest calling for change of government. The People Power Anniversary has been a special non-working holiday since 2002 but this depends on the proclamation of the sitting president. Back in 2015, then President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III declared the EDSA People Power Revolution as a special holiday but for schools only.

The anniversary of the People Power Revolution is celebrated yearly but for offices, this being a holiday or non-working day depends on the proclamation of the given year. This year, the 35th EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary is declared as a special (non-working) holiday. 

What does a special (non-working) holiday mean?

There are two types of Holidays in the Philippines: the National Regular Holiday and the Special (Non-Working) Holiday. The only difference that they have besides from what the holidays are called are the pay rates that employees would get on the said holidays. 

For special (non-working) holiday’s pay policy, according to DOLE, the “no work, no pay” policy shall be in effect unless there is a favorable company policy in place.

Special Non-Working Holiday Rates:

If you did not work: unpaid

If you worked: 130% of daily pay rate

Whereas for the National Regular Holidays these rates would apply:

If you did not work: 100% of daily pay rate

If you worked: 200% of daily pay rate

On top of the aforementioned pay rules, an employee shall be given an additional 30% if the holiday falls into his rest day and another additional 30% if the employee works overtime. 

It is always useful to be familiar with these pay rates whether you are an HR Practitioner or a regular employee. 

Keep in mind that the Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution is a Special (Non-Working) Holiday so, the “no work, no pay” policy shall be applied. 

Cheers!