Metro Manila, Philippines – The cry for justice for a slain democracy icon that triggered the 1986 EDSA Revolution has evolved to a call for truth and accountability against corruption as Filipinos prepare to commemorate the anniversary of the so-called people power on Wednesday, Feb. 25 – a popular uprising that ousted a dictator 40 years ago.
While the original theme was to remember the late Sen. Ninoy Aquino who was assassinated upon arrival at the then Manila International Airport from the US during the Ferdinand E. Marcos regime, the observance in recent years has focused on corruption.
This year’s protest will pursue the same advocacy with a different story under the theme “EDSA@40: Tuloy ang laban sa korapsyon at kahirapan!” [Translation: Onwards in the fight against corruption and poverty]
Organizers said the celebration will “reiterate the continuous struggle to change the system and achieve genuine national freedom and democracy, social progress, and just peace.”
They said 80 organizations, along with 200 individuals and leaders from various sectors will call for “truth, justice, and accountability” in the middle of the high-stakes flood control scandal.
In a statement, the organizers also said the impeachment complaints against President Bongbong Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte were a result of the “people’s just wrath.”
In a press conference on Wednesday, Feb. 18, Mong Palatino, secretary-general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), said a program will be held at the EDSA Shrine from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Aaron Pedrosa, secretary-general of Sanlakas, said simultaneous activities will be held in other parts of the country.
The Catholic Church will hold a procession to the EDSA Shrine with a Mass at 6 p.m.
Teddy Casiño, chairperson of BAYAN, said public safety will be prioritized.
The Metro Manila police force said it will deploy 10,800 police officers as the “Trillion Peso March” will also take place on the same day.
