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Bella Cariaso - The Philippine Star
February 6, 2026 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Congress should act decisively against political dynasties and massive corruption in government, Catholic groups said yesterday as the 40th EDSA anniversary on Feb. 25 approaches.
“EDSA is not only a commemoration. It is an unfinished movement that demands vigilance, active participation and collective resolve from all sectors,” the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) and Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Catholic Education (CBCP-ECCE) said in a joint statement.
“To honor it authentically is to combat revisionism, defend democratic principles and build a nation where justice, dignity, and peace are lived realities,” they added. “May the spirit of people power continue to guide us in shaping a future worthy of the sacrifice, faith and moral courage that defined EDSA 40 years ago.”
Democracy is never self-sustaining, they maintained.
“It demands vigilance, active participation and fidelity to truth,” the groups said.
Forgetting the lessons of 1972’s martial law, tolerating corruption, or allowing historical distortion and disinformation to prevail jeopardize freedoms that were peacefully won, they pointed out.
Civil society groups, rights advocates and movements must continue to guard civil liberties and ensure that the struggle for justice remains alive, they said.
Media practitioners should defend press freedom and truthful reporting as pillars against abuse of power, they added.
“We also call upon the military and police to remain loyal in their constitutional duty to protect the people and uphold the law. We call upon business and economic leaders to champion transparency, ethical practices and inclusive growth. We call upon families and communities to teach the next generation the values of unity, nonviolence and principled engagement,” the groups said.
The CEAP and CBCP-ECCE have asked all Catholic schools and educational institutions to declare Feb. 25 an academic holiday for reflection, commemoration and civic formation.
“Schools are encouraged to hold masses, youth forums on upholding truth and fighting for justice and other meaningful activities that nurture ethical discernment, critical thinking and active citizenship. Students and the youth, as heirs of democratic space, must cultivate the knowledge, values, and resolve to challenge injustice, misinformation and authoritarian tendencies,” the groups said.
Comelec pushes anti-dynasty law
Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday said an anti-political dynasty law must be accompanied by amendments to existing election laws to ensure its effective implementation, warning that a standalone measure could face serious legal and operational challenges.
At the Senate hearing on anti-political dynasty bills, Comelec Chairman George Garcia stressed that clarity in definitions, procedures and penalties is critical.
One of the main concerns raised by the Comelec is whether breaking the anti-dynasty law should lead to a candidate being disqualified or having their certificate of candidacy (COC) canceled.
Garcia said these two actions have different legal consequences: disqualification allows someone with the same surname to take the candidate’s place, while cancellation means the candidate made a false declaration in their COC and cannot be replaced.
“If you look at Section 74 of the Omnibus Election Code, it doesn’t say anywhere that ‘I declare to the entire world that I am not a member of a dynasty.’ Should we include this as one of the requirements, or will there be a separate law, which would then automatically amend Section 74 to be included in the certificate of candidacy?” he asked.
The Comelec also raised concerns over whether enforcement should occur before or after elections, citing legal risks in both scenarios.
Implementing an effective anti-dynasty law would require revisiting provisions of the Omnibus Election Code, Automated Election Law and rules on substitution, succession and candidate status, Garcia said.
Senators are examining six anti-dynasty bills.
The House is also reviewing its version, following President Marcos’ push for the measures to be fast-tracked. – Christine Boton
