By Jiann Delumen

Protesters of different generations filled key sections of Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) to mark the 40th anniversary of the People Power Revolution, staging demonstrations that pressed appeals for accountability, opposed corruption and political dynasties, and renewed efforts to remember the historic uprising in Quezon City yesterday, February 25.

Programs at the People Power Monument were tied to the Trillion Peso March, while parallel activities unfolded at the EDSA Shrine under the theme ‘Tayo ang People Power Laban sa Korapsyon at Dinastiya,’ as sectoral organizations, religious groups, and youth formations led prayer rallies, speeches, and cultural presentations throughout the commemoration.

Participants moved along White Plains Avenue toward the monument, where symbolic gestures such as the ‘salubungan,’ led by Trillion Peso March co-organizer Kiko Aquino-Dee, saw younger attendees exchange flowers with EDSA veterans.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, human rights victim and martial law survivor Jim Morrison emphasized that remembering the past remains crucial to sustaining democratic participation today.

“I was 22 years old when Martial Law was declared; I am now 75 years old… Salamat sa Diyos [at] buhay pa rin at nakikibaka. Kaya panawagan ko sa mga kabataan, sa Gen Z, kayo na ang magbabago ng ating bayan sapagkat kami, kaming makabayan noong panahon ng Martial Law, ay papunta na sa langit (Thank God I am still alive and continuing the struggle. That is why my appeal to the youth, to Gen Z, is that you are the ones who must transform our country, because we who stood for the nation during Martial Law are nearing the end of our time),” he recounted.

Moreover, Morrison noted that gaps in historical memory have influenced current political realities, adding that public discourse must continue revisiting the experiences of Martial Law survivors to prevent similar abuses from being overlooked.

“Kaya nga ngayon, nakakalungkot lang—napatalsik na si Tandang Marcos, nabalik pa ‘yung anak. Bakit? Sapagkat ‘yung mga kabataan noong panahon ng Martial Law ay nakalimot na (That is why it is saddening now—the elder Marcos was ousted, yet his son returned. Why? Because many young people during the Martial Law period have already forgotten),” he lamented.

Turning to present-day leadership, Morrison shifted the discussion toward accountability and ethical governance.

“Sa ngayon, unang-una, ang ibabanat ko kay Bongbong Marcos (Right now, the first thing I want to raise to Bongbong Marcos)… Mr. President, sabi ng Diyos (God said): ‘Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s,’” he remarked.

Likewise, student participant ‘Jed’ underscored the importance of awareness and education in keeping the legacy of People Power relevant, pointing to schools as key spaces where historical context can be reinforced among young Filipinos.

“As a student, I think, dapat lahat ng school ay dapat sine-celebrate ito. Tulad nung sa school namin [na] may pasok pa (Every school should commemorate this. In our school, for example, classes continued)… I think every school and every student should know the purpose [of] EDSA,” he stressed.

Beyond classroom discussions, Jed noted that civic engagement now extends beyond physical rallies, with students using digital platforms and peer conversations to broaden public awareness.

“[Isabuhay natin ang EDSA sa pamamagitan ng] pag-inform sa ating sarili… pati sa pag-educate sa ibang tao… like sa social media… Tapos pati sa pagpunta sa mga ganitong rally, it’s good to be part of it (We can live out the spirit of EDSA by informing ourselves and educating others—through social media, for instance—and by joining gatherings like these; it’s good to be part of it),” he added.

Meanwhile, police presence intensified throughout the day as authorities deployed nearly 14,900 personnel across Metro Manila, placing barricades near Malacañang and restricting certain rally plans at the EDSA Shrine after citing the absence of a local government permit.

Beyond the rallies, legislative developments surrounding the anniversary drew attention after Mamamayang Liberal Partylist Representative Leila de Lima filed House Bill No. 8028 on February 24, seeking to declare February 25 a regular holiday to preserve the historical significance of the People Power Revolution. 

“Kung patuloy na palalabnawin ang halaga ng EDSA People Power, naroon ang panganib ng tuluyang paglimot sa diwa nito at sa pag-ulit sa mga kamalian ng nakaraan (If the significance of EDSA People Power continues to be diluted, there is a risk of completely forgetting its spirit and repeating the mistakes of the past),” De Lima asserted.

The proposal follows the Palace’s decision to classify the 40th anniversary as a special working day, continuing discussions on how the commemoration is observed nationwide. 

Days before the anniversary, Far Eastern University announced the suspension of classes in its Manila and Makati campuses, with Tamaraws among those who participated in anniversary activities.

Ahead of the main rally, the Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership arranged the ‘People Power @ 40: Awit at Aksyon Kontra Korapsyon’ kick-off concert on February 21 at the Quezon Memorial Circle, gathering artists, politicians, and activists in the lead-up to the anniversary.

- With reports from Kristine Aimee Millonte 

(Photo by Melvin James Urubio/FEU Advocate)