THE Catholic Church and civil society groups on Wednesday said that the “Trillion Peso March Movement” rally, part 3 against corruption and political dynasty, will be held on Feb. 25, the 40th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.
In a press briefing organized by Caritas Philippines in Quezon City, Tindig Pilipinas co-convenor Kiko Aquino Dee said that the decision to stage the protest action on the anniversary of EDSA was deliberate, as the movement draws inspiration from the peaceful revolution that ousted the Marcos dictatorship in 1986.
“February 25 is a day with particular history... and EDSA should be used as a space to talk about the problems that we have right now,” he said.
Malacañang previously announced that EDSA would be a special working day.
Because of this, there is no plan to stage an organized street march, unlike in the previous Trillion Peso March rallies, to avoid disrupting traffic during the commemoration.
Dee also maintained the coalition’s stand that it does not call for the resignation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.
“It’s not a call of the coalition at this time,” he said.
Fr. Tito Caluag, executive director of Caritas Philippines, said they respect the rights of those who call for the resignation but emphasized that the coalition remains committed to upholding the rule of law.
“We respect the right of every citizen to make such calls, but our focus is on exhausting all means within the rule of law and the Constitution,” he said.
On the day of the celebration, a prayer march will be held from the EDSA Shrine to Club Filipino at 7 a.m. The main program will start at 3 p.m. at the People Power monument, followed by a 6 p.m. Mass to be presided over by Archbishop Socrates Villegas.
Several activities are also scheduled ahead of the anniversary.
On Feb. 22, a “Walk for People Power” will be held in Cubao, Quezon City, at 7 a.m., followed by a Mass at noon at the EDSA Shrine, to be officiated by Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David.
On Feb. 23, a “Prayer Power” activity will take place at the EDSA Shrine at 2 p.m. A protest action against former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs is also planned on the same day, coinciding with his hearing at the International Criminal Court.
Caritas Philippines has also mobilized 86 dioceses nationwide to hold simultaneous commemorative activities. Organizers said more events may be added in the coming days.
The group noted that the EDSA anniversary is a reminder to the people that they have the power to change the government.
“EDSA People Power lives on through the Trillion Peso March,” said Rafaela David, president of Akbayan.
Akbayan to join EDSA activities
Akbayan party-list group on Wednesday also announced that they are joining the Trillion Peso March 3.0, with the theme: “Tayo ang People Power laban sa Korapsyon at Dinastiya” (We are People Power against Corruption and Political Dynasties), that aims to “remind the Filipino people that the EDSA project must conclude by ending dynastic politics through stronger people power.”
“Filipinos flooded EDSA four decades ago to express that they do not want a single family to rule the Philippines. But until now, some families have continued to rule the country. Political dynasties are the real enemies of people,” Akbayan President Rafaela David said in a statement.
“The EDSA Constitution has already mandated the banning of political dynasties. It’s time to fulfill the promise of EDSA. It’s time to pass the Anti-Dynasty Law and to let ordinary Filipinos win,” she added.
The Akbayan president said that winning the fight that the 1986 revolt started to ensure a “definitive end” to dynastic politics, which “allowed corruption to thrive for 40 years.”
“People power is the best antidote to dynastic power. That is why dynasties fear people’s power. When the people rise, we can reclaim all power and stolen wealth; the masses have the strength to take them back,” David said.
“Our goal for 2028 and beyond is clear: a government that truly embodies the will and welfare of the people, not the interests of a few surnames,” she added.
Akbayan said the third part of the march will focus on “three pillars”: honoring People Power heroes, ending dynasties, and securing the people’s victory over corruption and poverty.
WITH A REPORT FROM ARIC JOHN SY CUA