Prayer rally opens EDSA 40

Several groups from different sectors, including Catholic Church leaders, held a prayer rally at the EDSA Shrine on Sunday, 22 February, to kick off the 40th anniversary commemorations of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.

Among those who delivered messages during the event were Sen. Bam Aquino and Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, who highlighted the historical significance of the People Power uprising.

Akbayan lawmakers Rep. Chel Diokno and Rep. Perci Cendaña also joined the prayer gathering.

Meanwhile, the Makabayan bloc urged Filipinos to join protests at the EDSA Shrine on 25 February, Wednesday, to demand accountability from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. over alleged corruption in his administration.

“Forty years after the Filipino people toppled the Marcos dictatorship at EDSA, we face the same rot and plunder under the son,” Makabayan said, linking the planned protest to the anniversary of the 1986 uprising that ousted the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

The group said billions of pesos in public funds remain unaccounted for, claiming there are questionable budget realignments and government spending under the current administration.

Makabayan also demanded accountability from Vice President Sara Duterte and other officials, accusing them of betraying public trust.

The group criticized the government for limiting protest actions, saying this violates the people’s constitutional right to assembly and free expression.

Makabayan encouraged the public to join the demonstration and push for transparency and action against corruption.

“Together, we will show that the Filipino people remain vigilant and will not tolerate corruption and abuse of power,” the group said.

Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office said it will implement a “no permit, no rally” policy for the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution on 25 February.

“We will implement a ‘no permit, no rally’ policy since we need to prepare for the two major gatherings,” NCRPO spokesperson Police Major Hazel Asilo said in a radio interview.

The NCRPO said it will deploy 14,000 police personnel to ensure public safety during the protest.