VOLUME XCVIII / NO. 5 · FEBRUARY 28, 2026 · THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS · Manila, Philippines
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► Civil society and clergy raise their fists at the foot of the People Power Monument to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution. — PHOTO BY DJENHARD YRENEO RAPHAEL Y. SAPANHILA
Special Report
DIVIDED OPPOSITION MARKS 40TH EDSA ANNIVERSARY BY LUIS ANGELO N. PALMA AND JUSTIN JACOB S. URAG
ON ITS 40th anniversary, the People Power Revolution was commemorated at its historic site EDSA, but in different locations, reflecting subtle differences among opposition blocs. Two distinct movements took place this year. One, organized by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) together with the Kilusang Bayan Kontra Korapsyon, was held near the EDSA Shrine. The Caritas Philippines and the Trillion Peso March Movement staged the third iteration of the movement at the EDSA People Power Monument, highlighting government corruption and the trillion-peso flood control controversy. Central to the third Trillion Peso March were calls for reforms and accountability, such as the passage of an anti-political dynasty law and strengthening the independence of the
Independent Commission for Infrastructure. In both houses of Congress, initiatives to ban political dynasties are in the works, with the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation signing a committee report to bring the anti-dynasty bill to the plenary. The 1987 Constitution, drafted in the aftermath of the People Power Revolution, prohibits political dynasties but requires an enabling law to implement this provision. “The aim for this commemoration hasn't been regime change. The aim has been to push for reforms that we need, to push for accountability,” Tindig Pilipinas co-convenor Francis “Kiko” Dee told the Varsitarian. “The calls that we're making now are backed up by the 1987 Constitution,” Dee said. However, Rep. Renee Co of Kabataan party-list group argued that limiting the scope of advocacy undermines the spirit of EDSA.
“Kasi dito ina-allow ang iba't ibang mga sektor, ang kabataan, na i-express ‘yong sarili nila nang walang threat na i-censor o i-pababa ‘yong kanilang mga panawagan,” Co, who attended the protest staged by Bayan, said. Tensions between the two blocs were evident even before the anniversary. Days prior, Dee outlined specific topics that were off-limits during the Trillion Peso March—guidelines not agreed upon by Bayan participants. In recent years, accountability efforts have led to the detention of two contractors, 14 Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, and former Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla, all of whom are facing trial. Dee expressed hope that protests would continue until higher-ranking officials are also held accountable. Dee remained hopeful that the protests DIVIDED OPPOSITION PAGE 3
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The aim for this commemoration hasn’t been regime change. The aim has been to push for reforms that we need, to push for accountability. Francis “Kiko” Dee
TINDIG PILIPINAS CO-CONVENOR
EDITORIAL ► PAGE 4
Sara Duterte does not belong in the Palace — she belongs behind bars The highest office in the land cannot be pursued while serious questions about public accountability remain unresolved. The Presidency is not a sanctuary. Vice President Sara Duterte should know that.