Feb. 25 protest organizers to ‘reignite spirit of democracy’
The Catholic Church will spearhead the Feb. 25 protests which other organizers said aim not only to mark the 39th anniversary of the first People Power Revolution but also to hold accountable President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte for their alleged irresponsible use of public funds.
More students, teachers and school personnel are expected to participate in the events as the national association of Catholic schools earlier urged other member institutions to suspend work and classes.
The Church Leaders Council for National Transformation (CLCNT), composed of different Christian religious denominations, also called on all Filipinos to unite in a mass gathering at the People Power Monument on Edsa “to reignite the spirit of democracy and accountability as the country faces continued challenges of corruption, economic hardship, and governance failures.”
“The fight against corruption is a moral imperative,” Caritas Philippines president and Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo said in a statement.
“We cannot remain silent while the country suffers from bad governance, corruption and impunity. The people must take a stand and demand accountability,” he added.
According to the council, with the recent impeachment case against Duterte, the event will amplify public outcry for transparency, justice and the responsible use of public funds.
3 key messages
Faith-based communities and advocacy groups are coming together to demand justice and reforms, with three key messages: Marcos Singilin! (Make Marcos Accountable!), Duterte Panagutin! (Hold Duterte Responsible!), and Sara I-Convict! (Convict Sara!)
“Edsa is a reminder that people’s power is real,” Bagaforo said. “It is time for us to reclaim that power and ensure that the values of democracy, justice and good governance prevail in our nation.”
For Bishop Efraim Tendero, former national director of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, it was important to “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.”
Novaliches Bishop Roberto Gaa, meanwhile, emphasized the role of unity in effecting change: “Our faith calls us to stand together for what is right. Let us rekindle the flame of People Power and use it as a force to drive accountability and integrity in our government.”
Led by Bagaforo and Gaa, the CLCNT is a newly formed council of church leaders committed to advocating for good governance and national renewal.
It was officially established on Feb. 13 during a meeting of key leaders of different religious organizations in Intramuros, Manila. These are PCEC, National Council of Churches in the Philippines, the Roman Catholic Church (represented by the Episcopal Commission on Social Action-Justice and Peace and Caritas Philippines, Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines, Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, and Manila Ecclesiastical Province School Systems Association.
Other participating groups include the Clergy for Good Governance, Concerned Citizens for Good Governance, Tama Na alliance of universities led by De La Salle University, and other civic and advocacy groups.
