CBCP marks EDSA 40; urges unity vs corruption, injustice

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) urged the public to unite and take a stand against national issues such as corruption and injustice in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution. 

In a pastoral letter released on Feb. 25, CBCP recalled Filipinos’ choice of peace and conscience over violence and fear during the 1986 revolution against the dictatorship of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

“That moment captured the imagination of the world and gave birth to a national dream—justice, freedom, truth, and respect for human dignity,” the CBCP said. 

The group summarized the social issues weakening the country into “Five K’s”: korapsyon (corruption), kahirapan (poverty), kriminalidad (criminality), kasinungalingan (lies), and kataksilan (treachery).

“These realities have bred frustration and cynicism. Many people quietly say, ‘Wala namang nangyayari.’ Nothing seems to change,” the CBCP added.

In response to these challenges, the Catholic organization established the Katipunan Formation Program for Good Citizenship (KPGC), which would serve “as a process of reflection, prayer, and study” in confronting 5Ks. 

“The word Katipunan comes from ‘tipon’, meaning ‘to gather.’ It recalls the spirit of Filipino heroes such as Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, and Jose Rizal-men who believed that love of country demanded personal sacrifice, moral integrity, and shared responsibility,” the CBCP explained.

The CBCP also encouraged all dioceses to take necessary steps to promote the program and embody its importance.

Meanwhile, the group said that in celebrating the People Power Revolution, three duties are needed to help improve the country. 

“As we do this, we, the CBCP, request you to undertake three sacred duties: to remember, to repent, to respond – that we may welcome again the spirit of that miracle, and bring us to a better future,” Lipa Archbishop and CBCP President Gilbert Garcera said in his letter entitled “Remember the Wonders the Lord Has Done”.