Statement
February 25, 2026
Feb 25th, 2026, marks the 40th anniversary of the people power uprising which ousted Ferdinand Marcos Sr. This anniversary stands as an important and historic reminder of the Filipino people’s assertion of their democratic rights and right to self-determination.
Despite what this day represents, the Philippine National Police (PNP) deployed 13,000 police officers during the action and declared an “EDSA no rally zone” in an attempt to prevent the massive rally critical of the Marcos Jr. regime. Further, the PNP even made veiled threats at those who carry signs that could be viewed as “seditious.”
“It is outrageous that on the 40th anniversary of the EDSA uprising, the Philippine government is attempting to squash the right of the Filipino people to assembly and freedom of expression,” said ICHRP Vice-Chairperson, Rev Dr. Patricia Lisson.
Still, the Filipino people persisted to defy unlawful attempts to shut down their rights, and successfully went ahead with their EDSA mobilization and mobilized thousands. ICHRP applauds the courageous and just protest led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan at the EDSA shrine.
“ICHRP supports and insists on the right of the people to freely protest without intimidation or harassment. This is true especially in light of the people’s ongoing call for genuine accountability amid massive corruption and the deepening crisis of poverty,” Lisson continued.
Indeed, despite the massive protests against corruption beginning last September, Marcos Jr has evaded accountability by diverting investigations, covering up his direct and indirect involvement in the release of pork barrel funds and the delivery of kickbacks, and directing his allies in Congress to dismiss the impeachment complaint against him. Still, the clamor of the people for genuine accountability for high-level officials, including Sara Duterte and Marcos Jr himself, remains.
The Philippine government’s attempt to crack down on the right to assemble and freely express opinion is part of their escalating campaign to squash resistance since the September 21st historic protests. At this time, it is critical for international solidarity, and for the international community to increase support for the Filipino people’s right to assemble, assert their democratic rights, and to resist.
