đź“·Karapatan | FB
The People Power uprising on February 25, 1986 stands as a pivotal moment in Philippine history — a testament to the collective strength of the Filipino people in resisting authoritarian rule. On this day, we commemorate the courage of those who fought for our freedoms and democracy.
However, these freedoms we cherish are once again under threat. The Rodrigo Duterte administration has exhibited disturbing parallels to the oppressive regime of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. during Martial Law. Under Duterte’s governance, the nation witnessed widespread human rights violations, including thousands of extrajudicial killings carried out in the name of the so-called war on drugs and war on dissent. The “rule of law” has been systematically undermined, with numerous transgressions on the freedom of expression and association, press freedom, and right to due process.
As we press for Duterte’s accountability for his crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court, we also support efforts to hold his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, accountable for her abuse of confidential funds and promotion of the repressive brand of governance of her father.
The erosion of these democratic principles and the prevalent culture of impunity continue to endanger our nation’s future. Disinformation spreads unchecked, corruption persists within our institutions, and rights violations remain pervasive. The upcoming elections present a critical juncture for the Filipino people to reaffirm our commitment to truth, justice, and accountability.
We, the undersigned, call upon all citizens to stand in solidarity in upholding democracy. We urge the public to remain vigilant, to demand transparency from our leaders, and to resist all attempts to distort history and suppress fundamental freedoms.
On February 25, 2025, let us honor the spirit of People Power by gathering together once more to assert our collective will for a just, transparent, and accountable government.
Never forget. Never again.
#EDSA2025
We, the undersigned:
DUTERTE PANAGUTIN CONVENORS
Former Sen. Leila de Lima
Former Rep. Teodoro Casino
Former CHR Commissioner Karen Gomez-Dumpit
Most Rev. Gerardo A. Alminaza, DD, Diocese of San Carlos
Fr. Daniel Frankline Pilario, CM, Adamson University President
Atty. Jojo Lacanilao, Concerned Lawyers for Civil LIberties (CLCL)
Former Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, Artikulo Tres Human Rights Alliance
Atty. Rommell Lumagui, Artikulo Tres Human Rights Alliance
Edita Burgos, Desaparecidos
Llore Pasco, Rise Up for Life and For Rights
Atty. Vicente Jaime Topacio, Hustisya
Cristina Palabay, Karapatan
Sr. Eleanor C. Llanes, ICM (Rise Up for Life Advocate )
Deaconess Norma Dollaga, UMC, Kasimbayan
Deaconess Rubylin G. Litao, Coordinator, Rise Up for Life and For Rights
Rev. Juliet Solis Aguilar, UCCP -United Metropolis Conference Minister
Fr. Noel Bordador, Episcopal Church USA
Sr. Ma. Liza Ruedas, DC, One Faith.One Nation.One Voice.
Fr. Rico Ponce, O.Carm, Prior Provincial of the Carmelite Philippine Province of St. Titus Brandsma
Fr. Joselito Sarabia, CM
Sr. Maureen Catabian, RGS
Fr. Wilfredo Dulay, MDJ
Sr. Fe Mandreza, MMS
Fr. Manuel Gatchalian, SVD
Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD, Paghilom
Zena Bernardo, HRPEC Board
Joel Saracho, HRPEC Board
Atty. Dino de Leon, HRPEC Board
Atty. Maria Kristina C. Conti, NUPL-National Capital Region
Amirah Lidasan, Sandugo Movement of Moro and Indigenous Peoples for Self-Determination
OTHER SIGNATORIES:
Sr. Antonia Redito, MMS
Fr. Albert Alejo, SJ, HRPEC Board
Atty. Barry Gutierrez, HRPEC Board
Atty. Josef Garcia, HRPEC Board
Atty. Ephraim B. Cortez, NUPL
Atty. Josalee S. Deinla, NUPL
Atty. Minerva “June” Ambrosio, Manananggol Laban sa Extra-Judicial Killings (Manlaban sa EJK)
Atty. Jobert Ilarde Pahilga, Sentro para sa Tunay na Repormang Agraryo (SENTRA)
Atty. Nina Sarah D. Cabeza, SENTRA
Atty. Anna Leah P. Pallon, SENTRA
Atty. Abigail Joy Landicho Aman, SENTRA
Atty. Alison Zoe G. Caballero, SENTRA
Alexander Jacobe, SENTRA
Atty. Rachel F. Pastores, Public Interest Law Center (PILC)
Atty. Carlos A. Montemayor, Jr., PILC
Rea S. Penol, PILC
Atty. Renee Co, Kabataan Partylist
Edwin Taladiar, CsSR, JPIC, Redemptorist Vice Province of Manila
