The rector of the Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, Our Lady of EDSA (EDSA Shrine) expressed concern about efforts to exploit the “People Power legacy” to garner support for political gain.
Rev. Fr. Jerome Secillano, in an interview on the Facts First podcast, criticized those who now embrace the EDSA spirit but once rejected it.
“They once dismissed EDSA as a political tool of the ‘dilawan’ and ‘pink’ camps. Now, they’re suddenly waving the unity flag, even using the EDSA Shrine for political ceremonies,” Secillano said.
His remarks followed a gathering of Duterte family supporters at the EDSA Shrine, where they expressed their backing for former President Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte.
“How can you talk to someone whose sense of history is distorted?” Secillano said, addressing critics who have accused him of partisanship. “They troll me on social media, questioning my integrity as a priest. But isn’t it obvious that the poor are being exploited here?”.
The priest also weighed in on the lingering controversies surrounding both Duterte and Marcos.
“There are ongoing allegations—from the Duterte era’s drug war to questions about President Marcos’ governance and corruption issues,” he said.
“Yet these claims are often weaponized, not to seek justice, but to undermine and destabilize,” he added.
Secillano pointed to the populist strategies both administrations have employed, particularly in their engagement with the public.
“Under Duterte, we saw how strongman tactics appealed to the masses. Now, with Marcos, the focus has shifted to performative unity and distributing aid, which some see as political patronage,” he said.
The priest also condemned the role of troll farms, which have flourished during both administrations.
“The online narrative is controlled by those with resources, spreading lies and manipulating public perception. It happened during Duterte’s time, and it’s continuing now,” the priest said.
“I am not defending either side, both Duterte and Marcos have their flaws. The real victims remain the ordinary Filipinos, caught in the crossfire of political games.”