A top Philippine churchman on Sunday urged Filipinos to continue the unfinished work of the Edsa People Power revolution, calling for genuine political reforms and ending political dynasties.
Speaking at the “Trillion Peso March” at the Edsa People Power Monument in Quezon City, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David said the fight for transparency and accountability must continue across the nation.
“It is a work in progress. That is why we are here — to complete the Edsa revolution, a peaceful revolution,” David said in Filipino. “We know change does not happen overnight.”
He said the country’s democratic system, though imperfect, is better than none and must be strengthened through citizen vigilance, legal reforms, and public participation in governance.
The outgoing president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines cited political dynasties as one of the “most malignant forms of cancer” in the country and urged lawmakers to pass reforms to curb their influence.
“Democracy cannot function fully until these tumors, especially political dynasties, are removed. It will take a sort of chemotherapy to eliminate these cancer cells before they metastasize,” David said.
The cardinal also addressed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., criticizing mismanaged national budgets and urging accountability without exemptions.
He challenged Marcos to ensure transparent investigations, uphold the rule of law, and complete infrastructure projects that deliver real benefits.
“Do your work,” David said, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. “Show us you will pursue corrupt officials impartially, wherever the trail of evidence may lead.”
Church-backed gatherings were held in dioceses nationwide, with some holding prayer rallies the day before.
David said the Metro Manila rally is part of a broader effort to uphold the enduring spirit of Edsa and resist attempts to weaken democratic gains.
He stressed that the rally also signals the Church’s rejection of “quick fixes.” “We do not need to burn down the whole house because we want to catch and hold accountable the cockroaches and rats of our society,” he added.
“How can we make the guilty pay when we are starting again from nothing?” he said.
