The vision born out of the 1986 People Power uprising remains unfinished four decades later, Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David said, urging Filipinos to continue strengthening democratic institutions and civic engagement.
Speaking during the third “Trillion Peso March” held in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the People Power Revolution along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) on Wednesday, David said the milestone should be viewed not as a completed victory but as part of an ongoing struggle for genuine freedom, accountability and shared prosperity.
“Our dream in EDSA is not yet fulfilled. This is a work in progress,” said David, former president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
The Catholic prelate stressed that democracy cannot be sustained by memory alone and must instead be nurtured through active citizenship.
While the 1986 uprising restored democratic institutions after 14 years of dictatorship, David said persistent issues continue to undermine governance, including political patronage, entrenched political dynasties, corruption and human rights concerns.
“Our democracy is not yet solid,” he said. “It is not enough that we change laws and regulations. It is us who must change.”
David called on Filipinos to draw lessons from the events of four decades ago, particularly as the country prepares for the 2028 national elections.
“We are here not only to commemorate, but also to ask questions,” he said. “We are here not only to make noise, but also to tell those in power that the discussion is not yet over. We are not yet ‘business as usual.’”
The first Trillion Peso March was held on Sept. 21, 2025, as a protest against corruption. The second took place on Nov. 30, 2025, in time for Bonifacio Day.
