Church leaders from various Christian denominations in the Philippines urged the public to take to the streets and demand justice and accountability as the nation commemorates the 39th anniversary of the 1986 People Power Uprising.
The Church Leaders Council for National Transformation (CLCNT) said that the Feb. 25, 1986, uprising “remains a symbol of Filipinos’ courage and unity in upholding democracy.”
The group said the commemoration is not just about remembering the past but “renewing the commitment” to fight for justice, accountability, and national transformation.
The church leaders said the mass mobilization on Feb. 25 at the People Power Monument in Quezon City aims to reignite the spirit of democracy amid persistent issues of corruption, economic struggles, and governance failures.
Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, President of Caritas Philippines, said the fight against corruption “is a moral imperative,” adding, “We cannot remain silent while the country suffers from bad governance, corruption, and impunity. The people must take a stand and demand accountability.”
The CLCNT was formally established on February 13, 2025, at the LAIKO Office in Intramuros, Manila, bringing together leaders from major religious organizations, including the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC), National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), the Roman Catholic Church’s Episcopal Commission on Social Action-Justice and Peace and Caritas Philippines, the Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines (CMSP), the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), and the Manila Ecclesiastical Province School Systems Association (MAPSA).
Organizers said the protest will highlight demands for accountability from past and present leaders, including calls to hold the Marcos and Duterte administrations responsible.
The demonstration is also expected to amplify calls for transparency and justice, particularly in response to the ongoing impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Bishop Bagaforo said it is high time for Filipinos to reclaim the “people’s power” and “ensure that the values of democracy, justice, and good governance prevail in our nation.”
Former PCEC National Director Bishop Efraim Tendero echoed this sentiment, urging Filipinos to remain steadfast in their commitment to justice.
“We must stand firm in our faith and in our duty to uphold truth and justice. The People Power spirit must live on through our collective actions for the nation’s transformation,” he said.
Bishop Roberto Gaa of Novaliches reminded the public that the Christian faith “calls us to stand together for what is right.” He urged Filipinos to “rekindle the flame of People Power and use it as a force to drive accountability and integrity in our government.”
The CLCNT called on faith-based communities, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens to join the movement and help push for reforms that will uphold democracy and good governance.
