Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon called on Filipinos to reclaim the lost gains of the EDSA People Power Revolution through a fierce love of God and country, which he called a force stronger than anger.
Buzon, who spoke at a mass to mark the 40th People Power Revolution anniversary in front of the Negros Occidental Capitol in Bacolod City on Wednesday, Feb. 25, stressed the need for the corrupt in government to be held accountable.
He also called for an end to political dynasties, for responsible voting to ensure that the right leaders are elected into office, and for personal change.
Buzon also stressed the need for repentance, citing the wasted gains at EDSA.
“Forty years after the People Power Revolution, one of the greatest events in our history, we are back to patronage politics, political dynasties, and corruption,” Buzon said.
The People Power Revolution that gathered thousands of Filipinos from all walks of life was “one shining moment of courage and love for the country,” which should not be forgotten, he said.
“Thousands risked their lives to stop tanks and the whole military in order to regain their freedom,” Buzon said.
“It was one singular miracle of God’s grace that put courage in our hearts and compassion in those of the leaders,” Buzon said.
The EDSA People Power Revolution was a series of nonviolent, prayer-led demonstrations in the Philippines that took place from February 22 to 25, 1986, which led to the ouster of then president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
It is globally recognized as one of the first successful “bloodless” revolutions of the modern era.
MARCH RALLY
The mass was followed by a march to Gonzaga Street next to the Bacolod Public Plaza where participants again called for an end to corruption and political dynasties.
Fr. Aniceto Buenafe said their Bacolod rally echoed the call of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) “to remember EDSA on its 40th anniversary because the spirit of people power is the key to unity, freedom, and democracy.”
The CBCP also called on Filipinos to safeguard the gains of the EDSA People Power Revolution, Buenafe said, citing the emergence of massive corruption in government.
“We have to learn our lessons from the past… we failed to sustain and strengthen people’s participation in governance. Now the challenge is how to respond and we are pinning our hope on the young people,” Buenafe said.
Fr. Arman Onion said the people should all continue to be part of the fight against corruption and in the call for change.
Organizers placed the crowd at the Bacolod rally at more than 5,000, while the police estimate was 3,000.
URBAN POOR
Early Wednesday morning, the Federation of Urban Poor members laid flowers at the statue of Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino at Araneta Street in Bacolod City.
FedUp head Joy Jarabelo called for a “reset” of the EDSA People Power legacy on its 40th anniversary, arguing that the people must adapt to the current socio-economic climate to address deep national disunity and “moral fatigue.”
People must start accepting that they must do their share for change to happen, she said.
BAYAN NEGROS
Noli Rosales of Bayan Negros said his group is continuing to call for an end to corruption and the ouster of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.
A genuine Anti-Political Dynasty Bill should also be passed, he said.
HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATES
The Human Rights Advocates Negros (HRAN) vowed to continue the fight for genuine democracy and social justice.
EDSA may have deposed a dictator, but the social conditions of injustice and inequality persist, it said.*
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