CBCP stresses need for concrete action to realize Edsa’s promise
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Tuesday called on Filipinos to mark the 40th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution by taking concrete steps in fighting impunity as it said that the failings of the protest was due to people’s complacency.
In a pastoral letter, the CBCP asked the public to repent for their sins as part of the commemoration of the People Power anniversary, recognizing that the people are complicit in the corruption and impunity that still persist in the country because of their complacency.
“We realize that we have squandered the gift of Edsa—the dawn of a new freedom. We became inured to it. We forgot that freedom is both a task and a duty. We took for granted the opportunity to start anew,” the group said.
It recalled how the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was toppled in 1986 by millions of Filipinos who “bravely yet peacefully” took to the streets after enduring years of suffering, facing tanks and soldiers with “nothing but unyielding faith in [their] hearts.”
Still in ruins
But 40 years after the revolution, with another Marcos as President, the CBCP said the country “remains in ruins” after the people “failed to take full responsibility of nation-building.”
“Complacent and complicit to the scandalous corruption and the ugly face of impunity, we have betrayed not only ourselves, but also, our God,” the group said. “This betrayal stares us in the face: Persistent poverty, entrenched graft, eroded trust, underdevelopment.”
“Repentance demands that we confront our sins—our complicity in systems and structures that mock Edsa’s promise,” said the CBCP, urging the people to “confess with contrite hearts” and turn away from materialism.
Apart from repentance, the group also asked the public to celebrate the anniversary of the revolution by sustaining the “fire of Edsa” and remembering the “nameless heroes” who joined the protest.
Retell Edsa story
“Let courage once again dwell in our hearts and let faith reignite our passion to pursue the common good, not only for ourselves, but also for next generations. Let us retell the story of Edsa,” said the CBCP.
According to the group, “Edsa was an awakening that still calls us today.” It said the people are called “not only to remember and repent, but also to respond with courage and love through change.”
To make this change, the CBCP proposed several concrete actions that Filipinos may undertake in fighting impunity, such as rallying together for the passage of an authentic anti-political dynasty bill.
It also urged the people to be vigilant when it comes to the use of public funds, encouraging them to monitor government programs and projects by initiating local, diocesan or parish-based volunteer groups.
The public was also encouraged to join discussions that promote responsibility, transparency and accountability, such as town hall meetings or linkages with various institutions or organizations, as well as rallies such as the recent Trillion Peso Marches.
Moreover, the CBCP said voters’ education for the 2028 elections must start early in order to ensure that people can choose and support honest and competent leaders.
“All these require a revolution: A revolution of the heart,” the group said. “After 40 years of Edsa, millions among us wallow in poverty and suffering, because we have returned to our old bad habits.”
“We need a revolution of hearts. For we must first see these changes in our own places and spaces: Our homes, convents, parishes, boards, institutions, organizations, associations, movements, congregations, dioceses,” it added.
