Church leaders call for unity, accountability on the 39th EDSA People Power anniversary

The Church Leaders Council for National Transformation (CLCNT) calls on all Filipinos to unite in a mass gathering at the People Power Monument on February 25, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., according to a press release from Caritas Philippines.

The occasion is to mark the 39th anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution in the Philippines.

Dubbed EDSA People Power @ 39, the event aims to reignite the spirit of democracy and accountability as the country faces continued challenges of corruption, economic hardship, and governance failures.

Faith-based communities and advocacy groups are coming together to demand justice and reforms.

The three key messages are “Make Marcos Accountable!”, “Hold Duterte Responsible!”, and “Convict Sara!”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is the son of the former president ousted during the 1986 People Power Revolution; former President Rodrigo Duterte was known for his drug war that resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killing cases; and Vice President Sara Duterte is the daughter of former President Duterte.

With the recent impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, the event will amplify public outcry for transparency, justice, and the responsible use of public funds.

“The fight against corruption is a moral imperative,” said Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, President of Caritas Philippines. "We cannot remain silent while the country suffers from inadequate governance, corruption, and impunity. The people must take a stand and demand accountability.”

The event is organized by the CLCNT, a newly formed council of church leaders committed to advocating for positive governance and national renewal.

The CLCNT was established on February 13, 2025, at the LAIKO Office in Intramuros, Manila, with key leaders from the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, National Council of Churches in the Philippines, Roman Catholic Church (represented by the Episcopal Commission on Social Action-Justice and Peace and Caritas Philippines), Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines, Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, and Manila Ecclesiastical Province School Systems Association.

The council is led by Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of the Episcopal Commission on Social Action-Justice and Peace Philippines and Bishop Roberto Gaa of the Diocese of Novaliches.

Other participating groups include Clergy for Good Governance, Concerned Citizens for Good Governance, TAMA NA (an alliance of universities led by De La Salle University), and other civic and advocacy groups.

The People Power Revolution remains a symbol of Filipinos' courage and unity in upholding democracy. This year’s commemoration is not just about remembering the past but also about renewing the commitment to fight for justice, accountability, and national transformation.

“EDSA is a reminder that people’s power is real,” added Bishop Bagaforo. “It is time for us to reclaim that power and ensure that the values of democracy, justice, and good governance prevail in our nation.”

Bishop Efraim Tendero, former National Director of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, echoed this sentiment: “We must stand firm in our faith and duty to uphold truth and justice. The People Power spirit must live on through our collective actions for the nation’s transformation.”

Catholic Bishop Gaa of Novaliches emphasized the role of unity in effecting change: “Our faith calls us to stand together for what is right. Let us rekindle the flame of People Power and use it as a force to drive accountability and integrity in our government.”

The CLCNT invites all faith-based communities, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens to stand together and take action for a just and democratic future.