‘Bagong People Power’

Forty years have passed since the historic Edsa People Power Revolution. In those extraordinary days of February, millions of Filipinos gathered along Edsa, unarmed, resolute, and united to reclaim democracy. The peaceful uprising restored democratic institutions and reopened the path toward rebuilding the nation’s economy and political life.

Yet, People Power is not merely a chapter in our history books. It is a continuing call to action. As we commemorate the 40th anniversary of Edsa, we are reminded that the work did not end in 1986.

The restoration of democracy gave the country an opportunity to grow. It reestablished free elections, a freer press, and institutions meant to serve the public interest. Over the past four decades, the Philippines has experienced periods of reform and progress. There have been leaders who championed good governance, strengthened institutions, and advanced economic development. Civil society organizations flourished, local governments innovated, and a new generation of Filipinos grew up enjoying freedoms that were once denied.

At the same time, the journey has not been easy. Democracy provides opportunity, but it does not guarantee integrity. Alongside reform, we have also witnessed large-scale corruption and governance failures that have undermined public trust. The past 40 years have shown us both the promise and the fragility of democratic systems. Institutions are only as strong as the vigilance of the people who defend them.

Today, we confront issues of massive corruption scandals that have shaken public confidence. In a country frequently battered by typhoons and heavy rains, flood control infrastructure is not just a line item in the budget; it is a matter of safety, resilience, and survival. When questions arise about the misuse of funds meant to protect communities, frustration and helplessness are understandable. Many citizens ask themselves: How can I contribute meaningfully beyond expressing anger online?

This is where the concept of “Bagong People Power” begins. It does not necessarily require millions gathering on the streets. It calls instead for sustained civic engagement, informed participation, and collective vigilance. It invites citizens to move from outrage to action, from criticism to constructive involvement. The tools of participation have evolved. Technology now allows ordinary Filipinos to access information, document realities on the ground, and connect with others who share the same desire for accountability.

One concrete expression of this renewed civic spirit is Bisto Proyekto, a citizen-led initiative to monitor government infrastructure projects. Through the website bisto.ph, ordinary Filipinos can report observations, upload photos, and share information about projects in their localities, whether they are being implemented properly, delayed, or left unfinished. By harnessing digital tools and community participation, Bisto Proyekto seeks to promote transparency and accountability in public works.

Its message is simple but powerful: citizens are not passive recipients of government services; they are active stakeholders in ensuring that public resources are used responsibly. Monitoring infrastructure is not an act of the opposition; it is an act of patriotism. It affirms that democracy thrives when citizens pay attention.

Bisto Proyekto is only one effort among many. Other initiatives, such as the Integrity Chain Initiative and legislative transparency measures like the Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability bill, aim to strengthen systems of accountability from different angles. These efforts should not compete for attention or recognition. Instead, they must complement and reinforce one another.

The Edsa People Power of 1986 was a defining moment in our national life, but it was only the first step. The deeper work of democracy lies in the daily commitment of citizens to demand better governance and to participate in making it happen. These forms may be quieter and less dramatic than the images we remember from Edsa, yet they are no less transformative. It is found in community meetings, in data shared responsibly, in collaborative reform efforts, and in citizens who refuse to look away.

Forty years later, the call remains the same: when citizens come together with clarity of purpose and shared responsibility, they can shape the nation’s future. The struggle for honest governance and effective institutions is ongoing. The anniversary we celebrate is not only a remembrance of victory but a renewal of duty. The work continues, and it belongs to all of us.

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Ramon del Rosario Jr. is a former chair and current trustee of the Makati Business Club. He is also the coconvenor of Roundtable for Inclusive Development and cochairs the Phinma-De La Salle University Center for Business and Society, which advocates that business should be a force for good.

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Business Matters is a project of the Makati Business Club (makatibusinessclub@mbc.com.ph).