Groups to hold Third Trillion Peso March on EDSA Day

National

CARRYING a theme “Tayo ang People Power Laban sa Korupsiyon at Dinastiya! Noon. Ngayon. Bukas.”, the Third “Trillion Peso March” will be held on Feb. 25 in line in line with the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

Led by Caritas Philippines Executive Director Fr. Carmelo Caluag and Buhay ang People Power campaign convener Kiko Aquino Dee, the campaign aims to take a stand against corruption and political dynasties.

In a report by Inquirer.net, Dee said the commemoration will revisit the nation’s struggle against the dictatorship of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., drawing parallels between past and present issues of corruption. He noted that four decades later, many Filipinos continue to feel the same hardships.

In relation to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s inclusion of the Anti-Political Dynasty Law among the 21 priority measures targeted for passage by June, Dee acknowledged various multi-sectoral groups campaigning against political dynasties.

However, he remarked that the measure might not have been prioritized had the administration not been facing mounting challenges.

Dee reminded the public that the power to create change lies in their hands. He said that events since 1986 involved leaders who must be held accountable, but emphasized that citizens also play a crucial role—not only in contributing to problems but in shaping solutions and influencing the country’s future.

He added that the Church stands for the “rule of law and respect for the Constitution.”

Dee also stressed the importance of accountability, including admission of guilt from offenders, the return of ill-gotten wealth, and the delivery of justice with appropriate penalties, saying that true healing can only begin through these actions.

Among the calls of the organizers are the prosecution of major figures allegedly involved in controversies such as the flood control scandal, recovery of ill-gotten wealth, justice for victims of human rights abuses, the creation of a truth commission, accountability for alleged extrajudicial killings during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s term, and the defense of historical truth against revisionism.

A prayer march will be held from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., starting at the EDSA Shrine and ending at Club Filipino, commemorating former President Corazon Aquino’s oath-taking. The main program will run from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the People Power Monument, followed by a High Mass to be celebrated by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas.(Jovie Caton Jr., BiPSU Comm Intern)