February 25, 2022 marks the 36th anniversary of the first EDSA People Power Revolution. It is always a reminder of what Filipinos can achieve when united towards a common goal.
Thirty-six years ago, people from all walks of life came out to the streets to protest. The Philippines had the worst economic recession that time. The Growth Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate contracted to -7.3 for two consecutive years in 1984 and 1985 (an all-time low compared to the average growth rate in the 1990s (+2.8%), 2000s (+4.5%) and 2010s (+6.3%)1). Martial law, which Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. declared in 1972, suppressed the freedom of expression and association. Crony capitalism, abuse of power, and the rigged snap elections were the backdrop during the 14-year period that finally pushed Filipinos to go to the streets and to exercise People Power for the first time in the country in 1986. As a result, a dictator was overthrown, but major democratic institutions were left in a weak state.
Overseas development assistance poured in to revive the democracy that Marcos Sr. and his allies demolished. Following that, non-government organizations (NGOs) literally mushroomed in the country. Because of the need to synergize efforts and rebuild the country’s democratic institutions, improve basic service delivery, and police the ranks of NGOs from fly-by-night ones, a network of NGO networks was formed. With the support of the Canadian government, 10 of the largest development NGO networks of the Philippines came together, formed CODE-NGO, and ratified the Covenant for Philippine Development in 1991.
The roots of CODE-NGO lie in the efforts of Filipinos who participated in the bloodless revolution that ousted a dictator. Today, Philippine democracy is once again under threat – the Anti-Terrorism Act looms in the background and its enforcers may use this law and other state policies as a weapon to suppress freedom of speech and association. Abuse of power is evident in the “war on drugs” and silencing critics of the government through trumped up charges, weaponizing the internet, and other means. When people and media exact accountability, the government responds as if it is above the law – the corruption within the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) system, the anomalous procurement contract with Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp., and the non-release of the President’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities, to name a few.
The hope for Philippine democracy now lies in the upcoming 2022 national elections, an important democratic exercise to ensure that the ghosts of dictatorship do not resurrect, and that the abuse of power and economic downturn do not happen again. At the national elections, it is hoped that Filipinos will give power to competent leaders who can pave the way for them to enjoy their freedoms and uplift their lives.
CODE-NGO and its member networks continue to find ways to stand up for truth and democracy by renewing its commitment to the Covenant of Philippine Development. The essence of the Covenant is for development NGOs to safeguard fundamental freedoms and rights, empower the Filipino people and help meet their basic needs. In renewing its commitment, CODE-NGO and its members stand firm and rally towards the ideals of justice, freedom and truth.
As the network remembers its roots, it takes a step forward in this volatile and uncertain world, and draws from the inspiration of the 1986 EDSA People Power to make effective social change. This year, CODE-NGO remembers what it means to fight for truth and justice. The network calls on Filipinos to vote for leaders who truly carry the will of the people and respect the freedom that Filipinos have stood up for on EDSA 36 years ago.
Photo courtesy of: Manila Bulletin