Progressive groups launched assemblies and protests in recent weeks against corruption in preparation for a big demonstration on February 25, the 40th EDSA uprising anniversary. These activities call to hold accountable all those involved from the very top.

The Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot (KBKK, or People’s Anti-Corruption Movement) led an assembly of over 50 organizations at the University of the Philippines-Diliman in Quezon City on February 14. Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, Caritas Philippines president and Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Social Action chairperson, sent a message of solidarity to the assembly. The STOP Corruption Alliance held a separate gathering in Davao City on the same day.

KBKK’s allied organizations held two Black Friday Protests, on February 13 and 20. Actions took place in four cities in the National Capital Region, as well as in Baguio City, Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Cebu, Iloilo and Tacloban City.

On February 20, Quezon City local officials prohibited progressive groups from staging a rally on EDSA and from calling for Marcos’ resignation.