MANILA, Philippines – Civil society groups and church leaders formally launched the Trillion Peso March Part 3 at the Obispado de Cubao on Wednesday morning, February 11. 

At a press briefing, organizers from Caritas Philippines, the Buhay ang People Power (BAPP) network, and Simbahan at Komunidad Laban sa Katiwalian (SIKLAB) announced a series of nationwide mobilizations leading up to February 25. 

This year’s EDSA People Power commemoration is themed, “Tayo ang People Power laban sa Korapsyon at Dinastiya!” (We are People Power against Corruption and Dynasties!)

“What we want to emphasize is respect for the rule of law and the Constitution. The Church’s stand is to exhaust all means to hold everyone accountable. That is where healing begins,” said Caritas Philippines executive director Father Tito Caluag.

Addressing the challenges of public mobilization, Caluag explained that the goal now is to “bring people power to the grassroots.” 

The convenors have yet to publish their official schedule of events. But instead of a singular protest, the coalition is organizing multiple activities, including booths, exhibits, to make the movement more accessible to more communities. 

Churches across Metro Manila will also host novenas and masses. 

Akbayan Party president Paeng David clarified that while events will be spread across different venues and organized by various groups across the country and in Metro Manila, they all fall under the unified banner of the Trillion Peso March movement. 

“EDSA People Power lives on through the Trillion People March. And Filipinos are taking action, not just at EDSA, but in different parts of the Philippines, standing up against corruption and dynasties,” David said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Meanwhile, Caluag noted that the 40-year milestone is a biblical period for transformation. 

He shared that this year’s commemoration holds a heavier importance as the country faces flood control scandals and the dominance of political dynasties. 

“The call really is, can we awaken our sense of civic responsibility and duty? And that is people’s power. That we have the power to really demand and work. Demand from ourselves also, not just for ourselves, for good governance, for decency and morality in our society,” Caluag said, reflecting on the significance of EDSA People Power’s 40th year. 

BAPP co-convenor Kiko Dee admitted there are no specific crowd estimates for their February 25 mobilizations yet, especially since the day remains a special working holiday.

However, he urged the public to find time to “take a stand.”

“My strong belief is that history is just that, if it only speaks about the past. History talks to us every day about the present. And it should be used as a space to talk about these problems that we have right now,” Dee said. – Rappler.com