ILOILO City — Marking the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, a coalition of rights advocates and church-based groups in Iloilo announced they will publicly present what they described as evidence of “systematic corruption” involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio during a protest-prayer rally on February 25.
Led by Kahublagan Kontra Kurapsyon (KKK-Iloilo), the EDSA@40 gathering is framed not only as a commemoration of the 1986 uprising that toppled dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. but as a renewed call for accountability against what organizers claim are deepening political dynasties and institutional failures under the current and past administrations.
The coalition will assemble at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol at 12:30 p.m. for a program aimed at presenting “compelling evidence of corruption” involving the Marcos and Duterte families before marching to St. Clement’s Church for a novena led by the Commission on Laity, and culminating in a Holy Mass at the Jaro Cathedral to be officiated by Archbishop Midyphil Billones.
Monsignor Meliton Oso of the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center urged the faithful to take part in what he described as a moral stand against corruption.
“We must join hands to fight for justice and truth, and to oppose corruption and political dynasties,” Oso said.
“Mahanduraw kita sang EDSA Anniversary in a very prayerful way nga ipatigayon sang nagakalian lain-nga mga dioceses sa bug-os nga Pilipinas,” he added.
Myrna Abad of the Commission on Laity — Social Action lamented what she called worsening social and economic conditions.
“I often ask myself, what has happened to our world? Why are we facing a government that seems disconnected from the struggles of the people? We honor those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom, and yet we find ourselves grappling with unresolved issues – economic crises, family hardships, and a failing education system,” Abad said.
“Kadamo sang problema sa kalibutan – economic, problema sa panimalay, problema sa kwarta… Grabe na gid ang sitwasyon sa gobyerno. Why we are doing this? We remember ang ginapakipag-away naton nga ginsipa ta ato ang hadlang sa progreso. We tend to forget what is happening, we are not worth the sacrifice of our people 89during EDSA,” she added.
Former congressman Raoul Manuel underscored what he described as eroding public trust in institutions.
“We cannot trust institutions that are failing to hold accountable those who engage in corruption. The Filipino people must assert their sovereignty and demand answers!” Manuel said.
Reflecting on developments four decades after the 1986 revolution, Manuel added, “Forty years later, we witness the resurgence of rampant corruption and the proliferation of political dynasties. Many continue to suffer from hunger and lack access to quality education and social services due to the failures of our leaders.”
“We are ready to take to the streets, united in our call for action,” Manuel declared.
Arlie Bosque of Pamatan-on Kontra Kurapsyon said the youth sector would also mobilize in response to what he described as “sistematiko nga corruption” and alleged misuse of education funds.
Elmer Forro, spokesperson of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan – Panay, linked the rally to broader political developments, including Vice President Duterte’s reported 2028 presidential bid.
“Her candidacy feels like an attempt to position herself as an alternative to the declining popularity of President Marcos,” Forro said. “We cannot forget the unresolved issues from her father’s regime, including allegations of crimes against humanity.”
Forro emphasized that EDSA’s essence lies in collective action rather than personalities.
“Ang pag-isa sang mga pamuluyo ang matuod-tuod nga essence sang EDSA,” he said.
Organizers expect a strong turnout for what they described as both a protest and a prayer rally — a fusion of civic action and faith — as they seek to revive the spirit of People Power and press for accountability four decades after the historic uprising./PN
