The Filipino people once again demonstrated the strength of unity against corruption and poverty in protests marking the 40th EDSA Uprising anniversary on February 25. The actions drew widespread participation from workers, peasants, urban poor, youth, women, church people, teachers, employees and other democratic sectors.

The largest gathering of 12,000 Filipinos, mostly youth, took place at the EDSA Shrine at the corner of Ortigas Avenue. Led by Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot (KBKK, or People’s Anti-Corruption Movement), Youth Rage Against Corruption, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), Artikulo XI, Bunyog Pagkakaisa, and Sanlakas, they called: “Continue the Fight Against Corruption and Poverty! Hold All Involved Accountable!”

Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, Caritas Philippines president and Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Social Action chair, Sr. Mary John Mananzan of the Movement Against Tyranny, and lawmakers Rep. Leila de Lima of Mamamayang Liberal and Makabayan Bloc representatives joined and attended the gathering.

Police repeatedly tried but failed to block the march. At the height of the confrontations, police arrested two activists, detained them for several days and filed multiple criminal charges against them.

At least 150 organizations and 400 individuals expressed support for the day of action. According to the groups, the action which “values people power” must continue in the current times, as systemic corruption, the people’s poverty, dynastic rule and massive corruption still prevails. They are particularly deeply dismayed that no “mastermind” behind the exposed corruption in flood control projects and other projects of the Marcos regime, has been imprisoned.

Their calls reverberated demanding to hold accountable and oust Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Sara Duterte for involvement in systemic corruption. Different sectors also asserted their specific economic and political demands.

Refusal to unite

Groups under the Trillion Peso March Movement (TPMM) launched a separate action in one part of EDSA where some well-known figures and artists attended. The TPMM, particularly groups SIKLAB, Tindig Pilipinas and Akbayan Partylist, refused to respond to calls by church leaders and other civic groups to unite.

Akbayan in particular opposes calls to hold Marcos and his officials accountable, claiming it would benefit Sara Duterte. The calls in their protest are limited only to anti-dynasty proposals and reforms and avoid mentioning or even alluding to Marcos—the king of corruption. Akbayan is known to be against national-democratic groups.

Other actions

Besides EDSA, protests were also held in the provinces. Thousands mobilized strongly in Baguio City, Iloilo City and Bacolod City.

Protests and activities were also held in Dagupan City in Pangasinan, Angeles City in Pampanga, Tuguegarao City in Cagayan, Santiago City, Ilagan and Alicia in Isabela, Naga City in Camarines Sur, Legaspi City in Albay, Kalibo in Aklan, Roxas City in Capiz, in Antique, Tacloban City in Leyte, Cebu City, Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental, Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City and in Davao City. Meanwhile, the Catholic Church reported that nearly 90 dioceses nationwide participated in the commemoration.

In other countries, Filipino migrants held mass actions in Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, The Netherlands, Australia, Canada, US, and Hongkong. Although far from the Philippines, they actively joined the commemoration to keep alive the history and spirit of the EDSA Uprising.