MANILA, Philippines — On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, thousands of Filipinos gathered at the People Power Monument and Edsa Shrine to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution. The milestone was marked by multisectoral calls for accountability, the passage of an anti-dynasty law, and a reflection on the country’s current democratic challenges.
Key Highlights of the Commemoration:
- Demands for Reform: Civil society groups, including the Trillion Peso March Movement (TPMM) and Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot, rallied for the prosecution of individuals linked to public works corruption and the eradication of political dynasties.
- Reflecting on the “Dream”: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) issued a pastoral letter questioning what happened to the “Edsa dream.” They identified the “five Ks” currently weakening the nation: Korapsyon (corruption), Kahirapan (poverty), Kriminalidad (criminality), Kasinungalingan (lies), and Kataksilan (treachery).
- The Duterte-ICC Connection: Protesters highlighted the historic timing of the anniversary, coinciding with the International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmation of charges hearings in The Hague against former President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity.
- Political Context: Kiko Aquino-Dee, grandson of Corazon Aquino, pointed out the irony of celebrating Edsa while a second Marcos administration is in power, questioning why the nation allowed corruption and abuses to persist.
Protest Incidents:
While the rallies were largely peaceful, a scuffle occurred at the Edsa Shrine when police blocked approximately 12,000 protesters. The PNP reported two arrests for assault and disobedience, while seven police officers sustained minor injuries.
Legislative Action:
In response to the current administration’s decision to declare Feb. 25 a “special working day,” members of the Liberal Party (LP), led by Rep. Leila de Lima, filed House Bill No. 8028 (the Edsa People Power Revolution Day Act). The bill aims to permanently establish February 25 as a national holiday to preserve the legacy of the revolution for future generations.
New Initiatives:
The CBCP announced the launch of the “Katipunan Formation Program for Good Citizenship,” a nationwide initiative designed to form “good citizens rooted in Christian values” to combat corruption and indifference from the grassroots.