Cebu City Observes 40th Anniversary of Edsa People Power Revolution with March and Demands
On February 25, 2026, diverse sectors of society gathered in Cebu City to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the historic Edsa People Power Revolution. The event saw cause-oriented groups marching from Freedom Park in Carbon toward Colon Street, voicing their discontent with current government policies and performance.
Voices of Dissent: Economic Hardships and Unfulfilled Promises
Belinda Alleri, president of the Panaghugpong sa mga Kabus sa Dakbayan, gave President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. a rating of only 0.5 out of 10. She highlighted that after four decades, the struggles faced by the poor have intensified, particularly for women in her sector who lack income. "Life is very hard for us. Left and right, we have to borrow money just to pay for schooling, to buy food. That's how miserable our lives are right now, sir. Only the rich benefit," Alleri stated, emphasizing the dire economic conditions.
Alleri criticized the administration for lacking concrete programs to assist the impoverished, pointing to unfulfilled initiatives such as:
- Housing projects for low-income families
- Genuine agrarian reform, crucial amid agricultural challenges
- Effective measures to combat hunger and provide employment
She stressed the urgent need for job opportunities for women who contribute to their households without steady income.
Market Privatization and Livelihood Concerns
The Carbohanong Alyansa also joined the protest, condemning the privatization of the Carbon Public Market. Juvelyn Gomez, the group's president, argued that this move has squeezed vendors and residents of Sitio Bato Ermita, jeopardizing their livelihoods. Gomez called for the cancellation of the contract with the private sector, alleging that it has led to prohibitions on selling for many years.
Corruption and Political Dynasties Under Fire
Jaime Paglinawan, chairman of Bayan Central Visayas, expressed frustration over ongoing suffering due to embezzled government funds. He also denounced restrictions on the right to protest, which he claimed is legally guaranteed. During the commemoration, participants demanded:
- Comprehensive government reforms
- Fair wages for workers
- An end to the misappropriation of public funds
- The dismantling of political dynasties
Paglinawan specifically targeted the Marcos and Duterte families, labeling them as the "King and Queen of corruption." He stated, "Sara Duterte is the Queen, Marcos is the King, both just repeating what their fathers did. This Edsa People Power should ensure that no other Marcos or Duterte sits in Malacañang."
Peaceful Rally and Police Monitoring
The program concluded along Colon Street, with the Cebu City Police reporting that the event remained orderly and free of unrest. Police Lieutenant Colonel Jose Los Baños, information officer of the Cebu City Police Office, noted that nearly 100 members of cause-oriented groups participated in the morning protest. "So far, the rally has been peaceful. We have police monitoring the area, and they have not caused any disturbances," he said.
Over 100 police officers were deployed by the CCPO to monitor activities during the Trillion Peso March, ensuring security throughout the Edsa People Power commemoration.
