Davao Archbishop Champions Moral Renewal on EDSA Revolution's 40th Anniversary
In a powerful address marking the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles called upon the Catholic faithful to reignite the spirit of peaceful uprising, highlighting an urgent need for moral courage in the face of what he termed a pervasive crisis of morality driven by rampant corruption. The event, held on Wednesday evening, February 25, 2026, outside San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City, featured a Holy Mass followed by a candle-lighting and prayer rally, drawing clergy, lay leaders, and young parishioners to commemorate the historic 1986 movement that restored democracy after the rule of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
Beyond Politics: A Moment of Grace and Moral Accountability
Archbishop Valles, in his pastoral reflection titled Disturb Us, Lord, described EDSA as more than a political milestone, calling it a moment of grace that showcased God's presence in Philippine history. He recalled the peaceful revolution where millions of Filipinos faced tanks armed only with rosaries and unity, stating, Faith and unity proved stronger than weapons. However, four decades later, he warned that the nation confronts a deeper crisis characterized by eroded public trust, misuse of public funds, and unresolved irregularities, such as those reported in the 2025 national budget for flood control and infrastructure projects.
The archbishop expressed concern over moral fatigue, where repeated exposure to wrongdoing desensitizes the public, leading to resignation instead of vigilance. His statement cautioned, There is danger that resignation may replace vigilance and silence may take the place of moral courage, urging Filipinos to reject complacency and demand accountability.
Threefold Duties: Remember, Repent, and Respond
Echoing the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Archbishop Valles outlined three essential duties for the faithful. First, he emphasized the importance of remembering the true spirit of EDSA, passing on the story to youth to prevent distortion or forgetfulness of the courage displayed by ordinary citizens. Second, he called for repentance, acknowledging that the promise of EDSA remains unfulfilled due to ongoing corruption, poverty, and weakened institutions. He stressed that repentance requires personal and communal conversion, rejecting dishonesty and moral compromise in daily life.
Third, the archbishop urged Filipinos to respond with concrete actions rooted in truth and integrity. This includes:
- Strengthening civic and political education in parishes and schools.
- Remaining vigilant in monitoring the use of public funds.
- Promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
- Actively participating in democratic processes.
Valles highlighted that national renewal begins with a revolution of the heart, where individuals choose honesty and moral courage in everyday decisions, asserting, Before society can change, hearts must change.
A Prayerful Appeal and Symbolic Commitment
In his homily, Archbishop Valles made a prayerful appeal, asking God to awaken the nation from complacency: Disturb us, Lord, when our faith has become comfortable. Trouble our hearts when they fall asleep in goodness. He noted that being disturbed out of love is preferable to silence in the face of injustice. The commemoration concluded with a solemn candle-lighting ceremony, where worshippers passed flames from the Easter candle in a symbolic act of unity and hope. Valles remarked, The light we hold tonight is more than a symbol. It represents our hope, our unity, and our responsibility.
Broader Church Calls for Accountability and Cultural Shift
This event aligns with broader efforts by the Catholic Church to combat corruption. CBCP President Cardinal Pablo David, in a September 2, 2025, social media post, similarly urged Filipinos, especially youth, to use digital platforms for vigilance and to make corruption shameful again. He stressed the need for a culture of accountability, calling for quick audits, real penalties, and transparency, particularly amid congressional inquiries into ghost and substandard flood control projects. David emphasized, The real reset begins not with blaming the poor, but with demanding visible accountability at the top.
As the Philippines reflects on four decades since the EDSA Revolution, Church leaders in Davao reinforce that this milestone is not merely a remembrance but a renewed challenge to revive the spirit of People Power by rejecting corruption, defending truth, and embedding integrity into both public and private life.
