ON THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF EDSA DOS:
THE FIGHT CONTINUES AGAINST CORRUPTION AND BANKRUPT POLITICAL SYSTEM
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan celebrates the 25th anniversary of the historic Edsa Dos which led to the downfall of the corrupt, fascist, and anti-people US-Estrada regime.
The massive turnout in Edsa in Metro Manila and other urban centers in January 2001 was preceded by several months of protests against the large-scale corruption and jueteng controversy involving no less than President Joseph Estrada.
Bayan and its allied organizations have vigorously exposed and opposed Estrada’s policies that undermined sovereignty and civil liberties. He signed the Visiting Forces Agreement in 1999 and waged a brutal all-out war in Moro communities in 2000. Despite his supposed pro-poor stance, Estrada rejected the P125 wage hike proposal which sparked mass protests led by workers.
Bayan supported the impeachment against Estrada and coordinated the protests demanding his conviction during the trial in the Senate. After the Senate voted to reject the presentation of new evidence against Estrada, it triggered more protests which eventually became the second People Power. The Bayan-led march from Ortigas to Mendiola forced Estrada to leave the Malacañang Palace.
After 25 years, we celebrate the people’s victory in ousting a corrupt regime while drawing lessons from this historic uprising. The replacement of Estrada by Gloria Arroyo, who turned out to be more corrupt and fascist, highlighted the importance of deposing not just corrupt politicians in power but also the dismantling of the political system that enables corruption, impunity, and state terror.
Estrada was convicted for plunder but was immediately pardoned by Arroyo, and even managed to run for president, and elected mayor of Manila for two terms. The corruption scandals in the past 25 years reflected the dominance of political dynasties and the machineries of oppression that support their unjust rule. The raging flood control scams, pork barrel insertions, and budget-related anomalies are a stark reminder that despite the two People Power movements, the bankrupt political system is still entrenched up to this day.
The people’s outrage over the latest corruption controversy sustains the call for truth and accountability, but at the same time we reiterate the demand for the rejection of the corrupt budget process and the rotten political system. This can only be realized if we remove President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Vice President Sara Duterte who are maliciously using their power to evade accountability and suppress dissent.
The most meaningful way to celebrate Edsa Dos and the spirit of People Power is to continue the fight against the corrupt social order. Bayan enjoins the people to carry on the struggle for national democracy and assert the people’s agenda as the genuine alternative to the notorious reign of political dynasties.
Mabuhay ang Edsa Dos at People Power!
Hindi pa tapos ang laban! Ikulong ang mga kurakot!
Baguhin ang bulok na sistema!
#edsa2026 #PeoplePower #ikulongnayanmgakurakot
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