Bill Seeks to Declare February 25 of Every Year a Regular National Holiday

Manila — Akbayan Representative Chel Diokno, together with allied lawmakers, has filed House Bill No. 7911 proposing to declare February 25 of every year as a regular national holiday in commemoration of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.

According to the bill’s authors, it is important to continue honoring and remembering the historic peaceful uprising that ended dictatorship and restored democracy in the Philippines. At present, February 25 is observed as a special non-working holiday, but the proposed measure aims to upgrade its status to a regular holiday to emphasize the significance of this date in Philippine history.

Rep. Diokno stressed that the EDSA People Power Revolution is not merely an event of the past, but a powerful reminder of the Filipino people’s capacity to unite in defense of freedom and democratic rights. He said that declaring February 25 a regular national holiday would help deepen public awareness, especially among the youth, about the lessons of history.

The authors of the bill also noted that formally recognizing this date is vital to strengthening democratic institutions and remaining vigilant against abuses of power. With a higher level of commemoration, more Filipinos are expected to participate in activities honoring the spirit of People Power.

House Bill No. 7911 will still undergo committee hearings and deliberations in the House of Representatives. If passed into law, February 25 will be observed annually as a regular national holiday in remembrance of one of the most important moments in the nation’s history.