Various human rights groups held a press conference Wednesday morning in Quezon City to announce activities lined up for the upcoming 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.
Leading the briefing were political analyst Kiko Aquino Dee, Caritas Philippines Executive Director Father Carmelo Caluag, and Father Robert Reyes of Clergy for Good Governance.
Organizers said the third installment of the “Trillion Peso March,” following protests last September and November, will coincide with the 25 February commemoration.
Asked about the timing of the protest, Dee said remembering the past should also prompt reflection on present issues.
“I think there is an important balancing act happening on February 25, where I think on the one hand the call against corruption is without color and I think that’s something we all here believe very strongly,” he stated.
“My strong belief is that history is just sad if it only speaks about the past, history talks to us everyday about the present,” he added.
Dee also announced that several activities will take place in the days leading to the anniversary, including an event related to the confirmation of charges against former president Rodrigo Duterte in The Hague.
For its part, Caritas Philippines said it will convene around 200 leaders from Catholic schools nationwide for a youth congress summit at Miriam College in Quezon City from 24 to 25 February.
Caluag noted that the 40th anniversary falls within the 40-day period of Lent, urging Filipinos to reflect not only on national issues but also on personal accountability.
“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.
He stressed the importance of civic participation and self-examination in promoting good governance, decency and morality in the country.
Reyes, also known as the “Running Priest,” called on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to undergo a “change of heart” in serving the Filipino people.
Organizers said a follow-up meeting to finalize details of the anniversary events is scheduled for 20 February at the same venue.