Church leaders, civic groups call for justice, accountability in 40th EDSA anniversary march

Posted by ReyFort Media

Church and civic leaders will lead the third “Trillion Peso March” on February 25 to mark the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

Fr. Carmelo “Tito” Caluag, executive director of Caritas Philippines, said the Church continues to call for justice, accountability, and respect for the Constitution amid persistent corruption.

“The Church stands for the rule of law and the respect of the Constitution,” Caluag said, urging public insistence on the admission of guilt and recovery of stolen wealth.

Organized by multi-sectoral groups under Buhay Ang People Power, the anniversary theme, “Tayo ang People Power Laban sa Korapsyon at Dinastiya! Noon. Ngayon. Bukas,Tayo ang People Power Laban sa Korapsyon at Dinastiya! Noon. Ngayon. Bukas,” links past and present struggles against corruption and political dynasties.

Francis Joseph “Kiko” Dee, campaign convenor, said participants will appeal for the passage of the Anti-Political Dynasty Law, included by President Marcos as one of 21 priority bills to pass by June.

The activities will begin with a prayer march from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., from EDSA Shrine to Club Filipino, commemorating the oath-taking of former President Corazon Aquino.

A main program follows from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the People Power Monument, culminating in a Mass to be presided over by Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan.

Caluag said the march will call for prosecution of major corruption cases, recovery of ill-gotten wealth, justice for human rights violations, formation of a truth commission, and defense of historical truth.

Dee clarified that while he supports calls for accountability at the highest levels, the anniversary events focus on peaceful, constitutional civic action rather than violent or extra-legal measures.

Organizers said the march will be replicated across 86 dioceses nationwide.(CBCP News)

Star-studded EDSA 40

As the Philippines draws near the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, a moment etched into the very soul of our nation, the air hums with a renewed call to reflect on its profound legacy. This is far more than a mere calendar observance; it stands as a vibrant testament to the extraordinary confluence of faith, the triumph of freedom, and the enduring quest for peace that defined a generation. For every segment of our society — civil society, the clergy, educational institutions and indeed, every citizen who cherishes our homeland — marking EDSA 40 is not just a commemorative act, but a vital reaffirmation. And within this sacred remembrance, the evocative power and prophetic vision of our artists are absolutely essential, serving as a guiding light for our collective journey.

The festivities are set to ignite on February 21 with a highly anticipated “Awit at Aksyon Kontra Korapsyon” kick-off concert at the Quezon Memorial Circle. This isn’t just an evening of entertainment; it’s a deliberate act of rekindling the flame of EDSA for a new generation. With luminaries like Ogie Alcasid, Janno Gibbs, and Rivermaya sharing the stage with contemporary artists such as Ice Seguerra, Ebe Dancel and Elmo and Arkin Magalona, the event aims to translate the spirit of the bloodless revolution into a language that resonates today. Comedians like Vice Ganda, Alex Calleja and Red Ollero, alongside Iza Calzado add a diverse appeal, ensuring that the message of unity, courage, and conviction — the very pillars that rebuilt our democracy in 1986 — reaches every heart. (N. D. Ferrer/ Malaya)