STATEMENT ON THE 36TH EDSA PEOPLE’S POWER REVOLUTION ANNIVERSARY IN THE LIGHT OF THE MAY 09, 2022 NATIONAL ELECTIONS

Photo courtesy of Yondu.com

“4 You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in distress, a hiding place from the storm, a shade from the heat. When the breath of tyrants is like a winter[a] storm 5 or like heat in the desert, you subdue the roar of foreigners. Like heat shaded by a cloud, the tyrants’ song falls silent.” –Isaiah 25: 4-5 CEB

Indeed, we hold on to our faith affirmation that God is our refuge and strength, and through our unity and struggle against demonic powers, as prophet Isaiah proclaims, we will defeat the tyrants.

Today, we admonish and encourage our churches and the Filipino people that we should never forget the EDSA People’s Power Revolution as an historical juncture of people’s struggle for democracy, justice and peace. Marking its 36th anniversary this 25th of February 2022, we reiterate the historical precedence as grounded in Filipino people’s resistance against the curtailment of human rights, civil liberties and the economic deprivation of the people.

The imposition of Martial Law on September 21, 1972 paved the way for the Marcos regime to utilize the State security forces to trample on people’s rights and concentrated economic resources to Marcos’ cronies, the ruling elite and top military officials. This heightened the marginalization of the laborers, the farmers and those already on the edge of poverty. Martial was ended by the long vehement resistance and struggle of the marginalized and other sectors of society through their massive presence on the streets of EDSA to call for restoration of democracy in the country.

The people called for the prosecution of the Marcoses and hold them accountable for their crimes committed and the return of the nation’s stolen wealth, yet they have not relented and Marcos Junior is running for presidency in the country. Electing him endanger the country to relapse to authoritarian government. This should not recur and never again should we believe in the political linguistic contortions articulating good governance without track record as such.

In the light of the May 9, 2022 national elections, let us choose Servant Leaders who will reject vestiges of authoritarian regime in the country and realize justice and peace. Our country longs for godly leaders who champion the welfare and interest of the people, especially those relegated to the margins of society, and not for their own selfish desire for power and wealth.

Furthermore, the statement issued by the National Council on October 14, 2021 expresses concern on the upcoming national elections, saying:

a) We are weary of politicians who, after promising a reversal of people’s desperate situation during the campaign period, lead the people to the quagmire and hopelessness after winning the post. Many Filipinos have lost faith in the merit of election as solution to the insurmountable crises the Filipino people have been facing.
b) It is upsetting that in the Philippine politics there is the proliferation of political dynasty and it is challenging to eventually stop it, unless the electoral laws of the land are changed and the practice of democracy is revolutionized that would prevent continuous political succession from families which have occupied political positions. Political dynasties that ascended to echelons of power do not have the monopoly of competency in governance and accountability. We renounce political dynasty in the Philippines as this concentrates power in the hands of the few.
c) History tells us that genuine change takes place with people aware of their unique role in affecting such a change as they seriously participate in the election process. It is an imperative of faith to inspire the citizenry to choose leaders of known rectitude and integrity, and whose track record demonstrates clear conviction and commitment to care for the victims of unjust social systems and structures operating in society.
d) As a Church we have an immense ethical responsibility in the conduct and participation in voter’s education campaigns and promote people’s issues and the need for genuine servant leaders, with special attention to political education among church people (i.e., duty of Christian engagement in politics. Support efforts of people’s organizations in promoting and protecting people’s rights and welfare. Promote candidates with known probity and integrity on human rights, good governance, love of country while reject candidates whose record and political party affiliation enable injustice, oppression and corruption.
e) Initiate or participate in Electoral Watchdog formations, conduct trainings against poll fraud in the automated elections as well as efforts to militarize communities. Volunteer especially in community-level formations, and join and build alliances with the likes of Kontra Daya and People’s Choice Movement.

Our Church’s vision should remind us even as we engage ourselves in the politics of change, “…a responsible, empowered, self-reliant and caring community of Christian believers committed to the pursuit of a transformed church and society towards an abundant and meaningful life for all.”

May the unchanging God of change, freedom and mercy be upon us on this 36th Anniversary of EDSA People Power Revolution and as we exercise the God-given right to suffrage! Amen!

THE UCCP COUNCIL OF BISHOPS
February 24, 2022

Bishop Melzar D. Labuntog
General Secretary

Bishop Joseph G. Agpaoa
North Luzon Jurisdictional Area

Bishop Emergencio D. Padillo
Middle Luzon Jurisdictional Area

Bishop Joel E. Tendero
South Luzon Jurisdictional Area

Bishop Jerome C. Baris
East Visayas Jurisdictional Area

Bishop Feliciana P. Tenchavez
West Visayas Jurisdictional Area

Bishop Ligaya F. San Francisco
Northwest Mindanao Jurisdictional Area

Bishop Hamuel G. Tequis
Southeast Mindanao Jurisdictional Area

Bishops Emeritus:
Bishop Arturo R. Asi
Bishop Jezer E. Bertoldo
Bishop Isaias L. Bingtan
Bishop Erme R. Camba
Bishop Ebenezer C. Camino
Bishop Constante D. Claro
Bishop Hilario M. Gomez, Jr.
Bishop Marino I. Inong
Bishop Reuel Norman O. Marigza
Bishop Roel P. Mendoza
Bishop Jaime R. Moriles
Bishop Eliezer M. Pascua
Bishop Dulce Pia-Rose
Bishop Elorde M. Sambat
Bishop Anacleto G. Serafica
Bishop Jessie S. Suarez
Bishop Rizalino Q. Taganas
Bishop Modesto D. Villasanta