In commemoration of the 40th People Power Revolution Anniversary, the third Trillion Peso March was held on Feb. 25 at Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) Shrine and People Power Monument (PPM) with the theme “EDSA40: Tayo ang People Power, Laban sa Korapsyon at Dinastiya.”
The Trillion Peso March once again called for accountability regarding the corruption of flood control projects, the passing of the anti-dynasty bill, and advocating for anti-corruption within the government. Despite being declared a special working day, unlike past administrations, thousands of people were still able to attend this third iteration of the march.
As early as 7:50 a.m., the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) monitored around 200 rallyists gathered at the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace or EDSA Shrine in Ortigas, led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and allied organizations. Rallyists held tarpaulins with phrases such as “Down with U.S. Imperialism,” “Never Again, Never Forget,” and “Dinastiya at Kurakot, Managot!”
While police and traffic enforcers managed the flow in the area, tension escalated as the day progressed. As enforcers blocked the way towards the EDSA Shrine, protesters began breaching the police line, chanting, “Tabi-tabi, dadaan kami!” The heightened conflict resulted in a number of rallyists being arrested and handcuffed.
On the other hand, a program at the PPM was organized by Buhay Ang People Power in collaboration with multiple organizations. Participating groups set up booths along the grounds of PPM by 11 a.m., featuring activities such as trivia games, face painting, and photobooths. At 1 p.m., a pre-program commenced, hosted by Julia “Ate Bebs” Pineda. The main program followed at 3 p.m., hosted by Gabe Pineda and Janina Vela, featuring guest speakers and performers who offered their sentiments and talents to the peaceful rally.
In an interview with The Benildean, drag artists Kennyngina and TSN Drag shared their sentiments about the importance of people’s participation. “Of course, it is effective. Kasi until now, unti-unti na tayong naririnig ng gobyerno eh," Kennyngina stated.
TSN agreed, adding, “We have to be here all the time, as much as we can. We have to show up, and kung kailangan natin bumalik dito sa mga susunod na buwan, we will. We should.”
Kennyngina emphasized that the core problem lies with the politicians, “To be fair, mga pulitiko lang talaga. Basically, if there will be changes for this one, siguro we need to vote wisely next time.” TSN added the need to push for the Anti-Dynasty Bill and encouraged the youth specifically to practice their right to vote by registering.
Meanwhile, Ms. Christine “Tin” Anne Alvarez, Head of the Center for Social Action’s (CSA) Advocacy and Communications Unit, shared reflections with The Benildean on the importance of sustaining student involvement. She observed a decline in momentum compared to earlier marches, attributing this to a potential loss of public confidence, ”Kasi walang nakikitang nakukulong, walang nakikitang pagbabago sa gobyerno.”
Despite this, she emphasized that the struggle must continue, linking the current movement to the original People Power Revolution, which was a series of uprisings rather than a single event. "Siguro ‘yun din ang lesson sa atin, huwag mawalan ng kumpiyansa… Paano natin makakamit ‘yung goal?"
Alvarez then highlighted the CSA's role in bridging the Benildean community with national issues. She explained that while some schools discourage rallies, but the CSA, they provide space for solidarity. "Pag nakikita ko na may mga sumasama kahit kaunti, may patunay ‘yun na may nagagalit, may nakikiisa pa rin sa panawagan," she stated.
She urged citizens to "check their privilege." She emphasized that even if an individual is not personally affected by corruption, they should care for their fellow Filipinos who are. "Kung tayo may privilege tayo, how can we use that to help out 'yung other people?"
The interview concluded with a call for the youth to take the first step toward engagement, suggesting that their unique ideas might be the very solutions the country needs. "Baka sila na lang hinihintay. Sila po pala ‘yung answer."
