Forty years after the historic 1986 People Power Revolution, Filipinos nationwide gathered on Wednesday to commemorate the EDSA highway’s legacy and renew calls for justice, equity, and genuine democratic reforms.

While the Marcos Sr. dictatorship ended four decades ago, civic groups, labor leaders and lawmakers stressed that the fight for socioeconomic justice is far from over.

Senator Francis Pangilinan underscored the power of collective action. He recalled how ordinary Filipinos ended a 20-year dictatorship and restored democratic institutions like the Senate and a free press. He also linked EDSA’s legacy to recent political victories, stressing that reforms — especially in agriculture, anti-corruption, and ending nepotism — are within reach if citizens remain engaged.

House Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Elago emphasized the urgency of addressing the economic inequality.

End 12% VAT

She called for the removal of the 12-percent value-added tax (VAT) on basic necessities, arguing that it disproportionately burdens low-income families.

“The spirit of EDSA demands concrete action against policies that deepen poverty and inequality,” Elago said.

She noted that food, electricity, water, transportation and other essential services are subject to VAT, driving up monthly household costs and worsening the cost-of-living crisis.

Elago highlighted Gabriela’s House Bill 4774, or the Presyo Ibaba Bill, which seeks to remove the VAT on oil, essential goods, and services.

“This is about more than economics — it is about justice. Every bite of food, every drop of electricity or water, should not be a source of profit for the government at the expense of the people,” she said.

Labor groups advocate for workers’ rights.

Federation of Free Workers president Sonny Matula called for a P200 increase in the minimum wage to bring it closer to a living wage, for an end to contractualization (“endo”), and for stronger protections for unionized labor.

With the current Metro Manila minimum wage at P695 per day — far below the P1,251 daily living wage tallied by IBON Foundation — Matula stressed that many Filipinos remain underpaid and insecure.

“There is no real EDSA People Power if there is no workers’ power for those in factories, industries, and other sectors,” he said.

Veterans of revolution share reflections

Tess Tagulinao, 78, who was on EDSA then, urged Filipinos to continue protesting corruption and challenging political dynasties.

“The spirit of EDSA never dies,” she said. “We must show our conviction not only online but with our presence, demanding accountability from those in power.”

Mang Mike, another EDSA veteran, called for national unity and patriotism, saying the struggle against the abuse of power continues.

Bishops unveil program

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines unveiled the Katipunan Formation Program for Good Citizenship, a faith-based initiative aimed at addressing what it called the “Five Ks” — corruption, poverty, criminality, lies and treachery.

Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa City said the program seeks to form consciences, inspire moral integrity, and encourage active citizenship.

“Forty years later, many ask: what happened to the dream of justice, freedom, truth, and dignity?” Garcera said, calling for reflection, prayer, and action in confronting societal challenges.

Across EDSA and other commemoration sites, ordinary citizens, civic organizations, and religious groups echoed a shared message: while democracy endures, the work of EDSA is unfinished.

From ending regressive taxation to securing workers’ rights, confronting corruption, and promoting ethical leadership, Filipinos are reminded that the legacy of People Power lives not only in memory, but in continued action for a better nation.