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February 25, 2026 | 12:00am
A banner depicting one of the defining moments of the EDSA revolt hangs near the People Power Monument on the eve of its 40th anniversary yesterday.
MICHAEL VARCAS
MANILA, Philippines — As the country marks the 40th anniversary of the EDSA people power revolt today, the University of the Philippines-Diliman University Council reminded the public that the event is more than “nostalgia” – it is a democratic necessity.
“Systemic corruption and compromised accountability reflect a deeper problem: a crisis of credible leadership and democratic legitimacy. People power is therefore not nostalgia but a democratic necessity,” the UP Diliman University Council said in a statement.
The council stressed that remembering EDSA requires clarity about what was defeated in 1986.
“Marcos 1.0 was not merely ‘strongman rule;’ it was a system of plunder and coercion supported by domestic and international enablers. Today, we cannot be misled by the semblance of the state’s ‘anti-corruption crusade’ that fails to hold the corrupt system’s architects and protectors accountable,” the statement said. “Accountability cannot be selective against rivals while protective of allies and family members.”
It also stressed that President Marcos bears command responsibility for the integrity of executive governance, public spending and law enforcement – especially when allegations point to “durable, systemwide mechanisms rather than isolated abuses.”
The council called for accountability “without half-measures,” stressing that investigations into flood control and infrastructure corruption must be strengthened, insulated from political interference and pursued to their logical conclusions.
“In the spirit of the EDSA People Power uprising on its 40th anniversary, the UP Diliman University Council affirms the following: we recognize that people power is needed more than ever to defend truth, rights and the public interest,” it said.
“We support structural democratic reforms that address the roots of elite capture, including laws on genuine anti-political dynasty and party-list reform to restore representation to marginalized groups,” the statement added.
UP president Angelo Jimenez declared Feb. 25 an alternative learning day across the UP system and encouraged the university community to take part in commemorative activities.
“This month, the UP community honors the legacy of the EDSA Revolution and reinforces its collective commitment to uplifting Philippine society,” he said.
“As the university marks this occasion, it reaffirms its steadfast commitment to democracy, academic freedom and human rights and calls on the community to continue the shared pursuit of a just, inclusive and equitable Philippines,” Jimenez added.
Two protest programs are scheduled today along EDSA – one organized by the EDSA40 alliance and another by the Trillion Peso March Movement.
Progressive groups under the EDSA40 alliance will assemble near the EDSA-Ortigas Avenue junction, close to the EDSA Shrine, starting at 1 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Trillion Peso March Movement, which includes Tindig Pilipinas and Akbayan, will hold its third rally at the EDSA People Power Monument, reiterating its protest against government corruption and political dynasties.- Delon Porcalla, Jose Rodel Clapano, Daphne Galvez, Michael Punongbayan
