ILOILO City – Marking the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, around 3,000 Ilonggos filled the streets Wednesday in a massive prayer rally that transformed a historic commemoration into a renewed public indictment of corruption and entrenched political dynasties.
The “EDSA@40” gathering here on February 25 drew church leaders, human rights advocates, and youth organizations who marched in a peaceful but pointed show of unity, declaring that the spirit of 1986 must now confront what they described as systemic corruption and institutional decay.
Monsignor Meliton Oso, director of the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center, said the turnout signalled a revival of People Power’s moral force.
“If you ask me, our EDSA prayer rally is a resounding success. We have revived a prayerful spirit reminiscent of our gathering years ago at EDSA. We seek a corruption-free Philippines, united in faith and purpose,” Oso told Panay News in an interview.
Oso stressed that the core lesson of EDSA remains urgent four decades later.
“Forty years ago, we have shown our strength in removing a dictator and inspiring the youth to understand their role as the true guardians of democracy,” he added, urging the current generation to act against corruption.
Recalling his personal experience during the 1986 uprising, Oso described the atmosphere of faith and courage that defined the original People Power movement.
“I was at EDSA 40 years ago, standing shoulder to shoulder with brave souls. We entered as fervent believers, armed with nothing but our rosaries, as tanks and helicopters loomed over us. It was Virgin Mary, our guiding symbol, who helped us in our quest to overthrow the dictator,” he reflected.
“Today, we find ourselves grappling with a different battle — one against systemic corruption, and it is time for us to unite once more,” he added.
Organized by Kahublagan Kontra Kurapsyon (KKK)-Iloilo and backed by various church and civil society groups, the rally served as both remembrance and protest, with participants chanting calls for accountability as they marched toward the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral.
The event culminated in a Holy Mass officiated by Archbishop Midyphil Billones, reinforcing the rally’s spiritual tone while sharpening its political message: that public office must be held to account.
Oso closed with a direct appeal for structural reform.
“We, the people, wield the power to demand change. Let us unite against corruption and work towards a meaningful anti-political dynasty law,” he said.
He reiterated the call in Hiligaynon, drawing loud affirmation from the crowd: “Tayo ang people power laban sa corruption, kabay nga mauntat na naton ang corruption kag makabalhag kita sang meaningful nga anti-political dynasty law,” said Oso./PN
(Caption 1)
AJ PALCULLO/PN
Youth protesters hold a bold banner reading “Marcos Duterte Resign” during the EDSA@40 prayer rally in Iloilo City on February 25, 2026, as demonstrators call for accountability and an end to corruption.
(Caption 2)
AJ PALCULLO/PN
An estimated 3,000 Ilonggos march along a major Iloilo City thoroughfare during the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, carrying an image of the Virgin Mary and a banner declaring, “Tayo ang People Power Laban sa Korapsyon,” as vehicles slow beside the procession.
(Caption 3)
AJ PALCULLO/PN
Nuns, church workers, and lay faithful join the peaceful EDSA@40 march in Iloilo City, walking under umbrellas amid the midday heat to press their call for integrity in governance and a meaningful anti-political dynasty law.
