By: Aliahcorr Balanon
Phot courtesy of INQUIRER.NET
As the Philippines marks the 40th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution, organization leaders called on the Filipino people to join them on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the Edsa Shrine, along Edsa-Ortigas, and at the People Power Monument as they take to the streets to press their plea to end corruption and poverty.
Student leaders, senior citizens, and civil activists said that despite 40 years having passed since the peaceful revolution that ousted the Marcos dictatorship, corruption remains in the Philippine system.
Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), and 80 other civil and youth organizations are set to gather on Wednesday, Feb. 25, to demand immediate action on political and electoral reforms to address issues facing the country.
Leaders from these groups chanted during a press briefing in Quezon City: “Mula sa tuktok, lahat ng sangkot, dapat managot! Tuloy ang laban sa korapsyon at kahirapan. Kita kits sa Edsa.”
“We go back to the Parliament of the Streets to demand accountability up to the two highest officials of the land. We demand the prompt prosecution of all corrupt lawmakers and executive officials involved in flood control anomalies,” Bayan said in a statement.
The protest forms part of a week-long series of events commemorating the anniversary of the People Power Revolution.
Activities include Kaya Natin’s People Power 40 kickoff concert at Quezon Memorial Circle on February 21, the Trillion Peso March on February 25, and several Masses organized by Catholic groups.
Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) spokesperson Police Major Hazel Asilo said authorities would enforce a “no permit, no rally” policy in light of two large gatherings scheduled during the anniversary.
"Ipatutupad natin ang no permit, no rally since kailangan nating makapag-prepare dahil dalawang malaking pagtitipon ito," Asilo shared.
The NCRPO also announced that around 14,000 police personnel would be deployed across EDSA and other parts of Metro Manila to maintain order and ensure public safety.
According to Asilo, only one organization, the Trillion Peso March Movement has secured a permit to hold its program. The group plans to assemble at White Plains on Wednesday to protest alleged government corruption and the continued dominance of political dynasties.
However, the policy was swiftly challenged by other groups including Koalisyon Makabayan, who declared on social media that it would proceed with its planned demonstration along EDSA regardless of whether authorities grant a permit.
“The fight continues. The protest continues. With or without a permit,” the group said in a Facebook post, noting that the 1986 People Power Revolution itself was not dependent on official authorization.
Police authorities said they would stay on heightened alert to prevent any disturbances as the nation marks 40 years since the uprising that led to the fall of the Marcos dictatorship.