LIVE UPDATES: EDSA People Power 40th Anniversary

The Liberal Party (LP) on Wednesday called for continued, relentless efforts to restore true democracy as it marked the 40th anniversary of the People Power Revolution.

“Apat na dekada na ang lumipas mula nang tumindig ang mga Pilipino laban sa isang diktador. Isang pangyayaring ikinagulat, sinundan, at hinangaan ng mundo. Naging laman ng mga balita. Isinulat sa mga aklat ng kasaysayan. Naging inspirasyon ng mga pelikula, dula, awit, at likhang-sining,” the LP said in a statement.

(Four decades have passed since Filipinos stood up against a dictator. An event that shocked the world and was admired and emulated. We were in the news, recorded in history books. We became an inspiration for movies, plays, songs, and the arts.)

Vice President Sara Duterte said many Filipinos may have forgotten the “essence” of the EDSA People Power Revolution, as the country marks its 40th anniversary.

Speaking to reporters during her visit to flood-hit communities in Iligan City on Tuesday, Duterte questioned whether present-day commemorations fully reflect the original message of the historic uprising.

“Nakalimutan na kasi ata ng mga tao ano ‘yung essence ng 1986 EDSA Revolution," she said.  (It seems people have already forgotten the essence of the 1986 EDSA Revolution.)

Senator Bam Aquino on Wednesday expressed belief that the fight during the historic 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution is still not over as widespread corruption still lingers until now.

Aquino, nephew of slain former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., said that Filipinos, led by the youth, should continue to be united and pursue the peaceful revolt for a better nation. 

While crowds may be smaller four decades after the 1986 uprising, the inclusion of ceremonial honors in recent commemorations signals stronger official recognition of the EDSA People Power revolt, historian Xiao Chua said Wednesday.

Interviewed by Super Radyo dzBB, Chua said that compared to earlier anniversaries, current state-led rites appear more formal and "dignified," pointing to ceremonial salutes now rendered during commemorative events.

Several protesters on Wednesday afternoon were able to break through a police blockade along EDSA during their march in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the People Power Revolution.

The marchers were at the middle of the EDSA-Ortigas interchange as of posting time.

They were chanting, "Ikulong na 'yan, mga kurakot" (Jail the corrupt), a battle cry of various organizations against corruption in government amid the multi-billion peso flood control scandal.

Several vendors set up sidewalk retail stalls along EDSA to sell merchandise with anti-corruption messages during the 40th anniversary of the People Power revolt on Wednesday.

Their merchandise included black and white shirts with images of people behind bars emblazoned with the words, "Ikulong na 'yan, mga kurakot" (Jail the corrupt) and, "Lahat ng sangkot, dapat managot" (All those involved should be held accountable).

Despite not declaring February 25 as a regular holiday, Malacañang on Wednesday acknowledged the significance of the EDSA People Power Revolution in the Philippine history.

''It's part of the history, hindi ito mabubura... hindi mabubura kung ano ang naganap noon, ang katapangan ng mga Pilipino, ang pagtanggap sa pangyayari, hindi po 'yan mabubura sa history,'' Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said at a press briefing. 

(It's part of the history, this will not be erased... those that happened before will not be erased, including the bravery of Filipinos, the acceptance of what happened before, those will not be erased in our history.)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday increased its deployment of security personnel to 14,900 as authorities stand guard for possible agitators at activities in Metro Manila commemorating the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power revolt. 

PNP Directorate for Operations chief Police Brigadier General Ponce Rogelio Peñones said these cops have been deployed across key areas like White Plains and People Power Monument in Quezon City.

Leaders from different groups recited a pledge, offered yellow and white flowers, and sang “Bayan Ko” by Freddie Aguilar in front of the People Power Monument. #EDSA40 pic.twitter.com/TVs2KtTC5p

— Joviland Rita (@jovilandxrita) February 25, 2026

Protesters from different sectors on Wednesday marched from EDSA Shrine to People Power Monument marking the start of the series of activities in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the People Power Revolution.