CBCP urges passage of anti-political dynasty law ahead of EDSA anniversary

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called for the passage of an Anti-Political Dynasty bill ahead of the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, which is commemorated on February 25.

In a pastoral letter signed Tuesday, CBCP president Gilbert Garcera said political power must reside with the people rather than a select few and that accountability should apply to all.

“So that we may hold power accountable, let us rally together for the passage of an authentic Anti-Dynasty Bill. Power must remain in the people, not in a few,” Garcera said.

He also urged the faithful to remain vigilant by organizing local, diocesan, or parish-based volunteer groups to promote public accountability and monitor government funds, programs, and projects.

Garcera said such efforts could include community dialogue, participation in civic activities, voter education initiatives, and programs promoting good citizenship and governance, as well as supporting leaders who genuinely serve the public.

‘An awakening’ still relevant 

Garcera described EDSA as an “awakening” that continues to challenge Filipinos four decades later, noting that many still experience poverty and hardship.

He called on Filipinos to remember the unnamed heroes of the historic event and to reject complacency in the face of corruption.

“Repentance demands that we confront our sins—our complicity in systems and structures that mock EDSA’s promise,” he said, urging both personal and communal conversion.

He added that change should begin within everyday spaces—homes, parishes, institutions, organizations, and dioceses—through persistence in upholding truth and translating faith into action.

The CBCP president also reminded Catholics to seek guidance from God, describing EDSA as a sign of divine love and mercy and a continuing source of hope.

Earlier, the CBCP and the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines encouraged Catholic schools and educational institutions to declare February 25 an academic holiday in observance of the anniversary.

Spanning four days from February 22 to 25, 1986, the peaceful uprising ended the two-decade rule of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.—MCG, GMA Integrated News