On February 25, 2026, the Philippines commemorates the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution that toppled Ferdinand Marcos's dictatorship. Discussions and gatherings examine the movement's legacy amid ongoing political challenges. Student leaders vow mobilizations against corruption and political dynasties.
In 1986, hundreds of thousands of Filipinos gathered on EDSA to launch a peaceful uprising against the dictatorship of Ferdinand E. Marcos. It began with an appeal by Jaime Cardinal Sin broadcast on Radio Veritas, urging people to assemble on EDSA. The station in Malolos, Bulacan, was attacked by the regime in an attempt to silence it, but the movement succeeded in ousting Marcos.
In the decades since, the Philippines has seen repeated democratic transitions, political crises, and the return of old elites to power, including the 2022 election of Marcos's son as president. On February 20, 2026, Rappler hosted a discussion with editor-at-large Marites Vitug and political scientist Aries Arugay, a professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman, to examine EDSA's influence on democratic movements abroad and how its ideals have endured or been challenged today.
Meanwhile, student leaders from the National Union of Students of the Philippines, led by national president Iya Trinidad, denounced corrupt politicians and political dynasties. 'We have had enough of politicians posturing as saviors of a system they themselves have broken. Corruption has become normalized in our daily lives,' Trinidad said. They vowed mobilizations nationwide as part of the anniversary, stating 'The youth are determined to dismantle this broken system through collective action and militant resistance.' These activities highlight the ongoing struggle for genuine change beyond election seasons.
