EDSA 40: Cebu protests recall People Power, push for reforms

Militant groups staged a rally on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

The protest highlighted ongoing calls for accountability, reforms, and remembrance, while church and civic groups carried out parallel observances under SuPaKK 2.0 (Sugboanong Pakigbisog Kontra Korapsyon).

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Central Visayas chairperson Jaime Paglinawan said the anniversary recalls the mass mobilization of millions of Filipinos during the 1986 uprising, including Cebuanos who took part in resistance efforts in communities, churches, schools, and workplaces.

He stressed that while EDSA marked a significant victory against authoritarian rule, corruption and structural inequalities continue to persist.

The coalition highlighted ongoing issues such as landlessness among farmers, contractualization and low wages among workers, and underfunded public services.

It also criticized policies that restrict the right to assemble, including “no permit, no rally” rules and cases filed under Batasang Pambansa 880.

Enacted during the Marcos Sr. regime, BP 880 allows local authorities to regulate public assemblies and rallies, and critics say it has historically been used to harass and intimidate activists.

Paglinawan and BAYAN Central Visayas also called for accountability from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte over what they described as mismanagement and questionable use of public funds, including concerns related to flood control projects and confidential and intelligence funds.

Ahead of the anniversary, allied organizations raised continuing concerns in education, labor, and human rights.

TJ Rapisora of Kabataan Kontra Korapsyon pointed to classroom shortages, inadequate learning equipment, and poor infrastructure in state universities and colleges, as well as police presence during mobilizations.

Noe Santillan of the All UP Academic Employees Union highlighted the lack of salary grade upgrading for public school teachers and restrictions on academic freedom.

Dennis Abarientos of Karapatan Central Visayas noted weaknesses in the justice system affecting victims of human rights violations, while Bebe Allere of Panaghugpong Kadamay condemned corruption and its impact on public services and disaster response.

Paglinawan said around 250 BAYAN protesters joined the church-led SuPaKK 2.0 observances.

He clarified that the count included only BAYAN members, excluding participants from other progressive and multisectoral groups.

Teodorico Navea of Partido Lakas ng Masa and Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino said their groups targeted 200 protesters for their part.

The program was organized by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu in partnership with the Cebu provincial and city governments.

Archbishop Alberto S. Uy encouraged all Cebuanos to participate in the commemoration.

He said the activities would begin with a Holy Mass at 1:45 p.m. at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño Pilgrim Center, followed by the simultaneous tolling of church bells across the Archdiocese at 3 p.m.

The program at the Pilgrim Center would start at 3:05 p.m., leading into a peaceful march at 3:45 p.m. from the Basilica to Plaza Independencia.

Participants would gather at the Martial Law marker at 4:05 p.m. for prayers and symbolic offerings.

The commemoration would culminate with “YUKBO: Ang Konsiyerto” at 4:30 p.m., featuring performances by Ferdinand Aragon, ARZA, Artpression, Kent Charcos, Hometown Kids, Belamour, Mr Moustache, Nomer, Girl Monday, Rolly Wagas, Rommel Tuico & The Brews, Jewel Villaflores, Iping Amores, The Wonggoys, Yo Emperado, and Missing Filemon.

Uy reminded attendees to wear white as a symbol of peace and unity, or use white wristbands, armbands, or headbands if clothing was unavailable.

The Eucharistic celebration and bell tolling symbolized four decades since the People Power uprising and the ongoing journey toward genuine freedom.

Organizers said the anniversary serves as a reminder that the struggle for freedom, democracy, and social justice continues, urging the public to stay engaged while honoring the legacy of EDSA.

Photo by Jacq Hernandez