On the 25th anniversary of EDSA Dos this January 2026, the Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance – TAMA NA stressed that corruption remains widespread in government, a bitter reality that has persisted since the ouster of former President Joseph Estrada in 2001.
In January 2001, hundreds of thousands of Filipinos gathered at the EDSA Shrine to protest the blatant and systematic cover-up of Estrada’s plunder during the impeachment trial. EDSA Dos became a symbol of the people’s power against corruption.
Yet twenty-five years later, TAMA NA emphasized that the same problem continues to plague the nation.
The alliance pointed to anomalies in the confidential and intelligence funds of Vice President Sara Duterte and the budget signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which they claim is riddled with irregularities.
They added that the massive mobilizations in 2025 clearly showed the public’s outrage over ongoing plunder.
“Bagong taon, pero nananatili ang lumang sistema ng kurapsyon sa badyet para sa 2026,” TAMA NA declared.
The group also highlighted the crucial role of the education sector—teachers and students alike—in reviving the spirit of EDSA Dos and strengthening anti-corruption campaigns in 2026.
Despite repeated calls, the alliance said the government seems deaf to the people’s demands.
Nevertheless, TAMA NA vowed to continue standing with the masses in schools, factories, communities, and streets to demand accountability from corrupt officials. (JCNE)
