THIS week marks the 35th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power phenomenon. I was asked to participate in a webinar organized by the history department of the University of Santo Tomas on Feb. 25, 2021 on the topic “Ika-35 Anibersaryo ng EDSA People Power Revolution: Ano ang ating narating?” For me, one of the most enduring legacies of EDSA 1986 is the proliferation of “epal” and necro politics through the (unwitting?) efforts of the Aquino political clan.
The origins of the term “epal” is obscure although there is a consensus that this came from the term “mapapel,” which refers to anybody who purposely wiggles themselves onto public view. In the political arena the purpose of epal-related moves is classified by certain groups as early campaigning.
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