Will there be an EDSA 3?

In a quick flashback we can say that EDSA 1 was a peaceful people power move that ousted President Ferdinand E. Marcos.‎ EDSA 2 was another peaceful people’s uprising that forced President Joseph E. Estrada out of Malacañang. What do they have in common?

To non-historians two factors were clear: the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) withdrew their allegiance from the sitting president after the religious sector/the Church led by Cardinal Jaime L. Sin, came out peacefully ‎and demanded for change of national leadership. Corazon C. Aquino was installed as the new president to replace Marcos. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was installed to succeed President Estrada. Was there a change of government or just a change of leadership?

Most historians and political anal‎ysts say both peaceful people power revolutions were just a change of leaders. There was no change of system which would improve the life of the people. They say that if another peaceful uprising can take place it must usher a new system of governance built on a new constitution that reflects the collective aspirations of the people.

The same experts are united in saying that the people guided by their spiritual leaders must move together. Then the armed will join in support of the peaceful people’s revolution or uprising‎. It does not need to be called EDSA 3 because it can begin to happen anywhere in Luzon, Visayas or Mindanao.

But the crucial question is: will the people move as one? Will the religious leaders, Catholic, Muslim, Protestant and Lumads, move together? The concerned men and women in uniform are waiting, so say the experts. They say this because they believe the May 2016 Elections will just be a change of leadership.