On the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, protests and commemorations marked the day, as veterans and senators warned about the importance of history and the ongoing fight against corruption.
On February 25, 2026, various activities marked the 40th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, which ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. after 20 years in power. Groups like the Trillion Peso March Movement and Caritas Philippines organized the third Trillion Peso March, proceeding from the EDSA Shrine to the People Power Monument, leading to the closure of White Plains Avenue from 6 a.m. A separate protest was expected from Bagong Alyansang Makabayan at the EDSA Shrine, and a high mass was led by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas at 6 p.m.
Senators such as Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan emphasized that the revolution remains unfinished. Aquino stated, 'Ang EDSA ay hindi wakas kundi simula pa lamang ng mas mahabang paglalakbay bilang isang bayan. Kaya’t isa itong panawagan at hamon na magkaisa, makilahok, at manindigan para sa tama.' (EDSA is not the end but the start of a longer journey as a nation. So this is a call and challenge to unify, participate, and stand for what is right.) Pangilinan noted that what seemed impossible became possible at EDSA, proving that ending corruption is achievable through collective action.
EDSA veterans, including Carmel Abao, Sister Cho Borromeo, and Chito de la Vega, warned the youth to learn history to preserve democracy, especially with a second Marcos in power. Abao said, 'maybe you don’t know what a dictatorship really is.' Gen Z actor Jerom Canlas remarked that the previous generation failed to reform institutions like education. The spirit of People Power is seen in recent protests against corruption in flood control projects with a 540 billion peso allocation.
In the current political context, Sara Duterte's declaration for the 2028 presidency highlights ongoing dynastic dominance, as Filipinos face high prices and low wages.
