Human rights groups and religious leaders announced a series of protests and summits Wednesday to mark the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, linking the historic 1986 uprising to modern-day anti-corruption efforts.
Organizers confirmed that the third “Trillion Peso March” will coincide with the 25 February anniversary. The protest follows similar demonstrations held in September and November of last year.
Political analyst Kiko Aquino Dee, one of the lead organizers, said the timing is intended to bridge the gap between historical remembrance and current events.
“My strong belief is that history is just sad if it only speaks about the past; history talks to us everyday about the present,” Dee said. He added that the call against corruption is “without color,” suggesting the movement transcends traditional political lines.
The lead-up to the anniversary will include various activities, including an event tied to the International Criminal Court’s proceedings in The Hague regarding former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Caritas Philippines executive director Father Carmelo Caluag announced that the church will host a youth congress summit at Miriam College from 24 to 25 February. The event is expected to draw 200 student leaders from various Catholic schools.
Caluag cited that the symbolic nature of the 40th anniversary falling during the Lenten season, a 40-day period of reflection in the Catholic Church. He urged the public to reflect on personal and systemic corruption.
“I think what makes this year’s celebration, aside from the tradition of 40, is what we went through the past year… that also awakened the sense of civil responsibility,” Caluag said.
Father Robert Reyes, an activist known as “The Running Priest,” concluded the briefing by calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to have a “change of heart” to better serve the Filipino people.
Organizers are scheduled to meet again on 20 February to finalize the specifics of the anniversary events.