Four decades after millions of Filipinos poured into Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) to topple a dictatorship, the nation once again gathers to commemorate the historic uprising that restored democracy in 1986.
From February 22 to 25, 1986, Filipinos from all walks of life marched along EDSA in a peaceful revolt that ended the 21-year rule of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. The four-day protest, now known as the EDSA People Power Revolution, remains one of the most significant demonstrations in Philippine history.
At exactly 9:52 p.m. on February 25, 1986, radio station DZRH first reported that Marcos had fled the country with his family. Moments later, the Far East Network (FEN) confirmed the report, signaling the beginning of a new democratic chapter under then-president Corazon Aquino.
As the country marks the 40th anniversary of the uprising, church and civil society groups have organized activities at three major sites in Quezon City on February 25 to honor what many describe as the triumph of the Filipino spirit over tyranny.
Commemorative activities across Quezon City
Early Wednesday morning, individuals began gathering at the People Power Monument and the EDSA Shrine ahead of the official commemorative programs scheduled before 8 a.m.
Part of the observance includes preparations for the “Trillion Peso March 3” at White Plains Avenue in Quezon City, where a stage has already been assembled. Only the southbound lane of the avenue remains open to motorists, with authorities set to close it entirely later in the day.
As of 6:22 a.m., roads leading to Mendiola in Manila were closed to motorists. Police were also deployed along Recto Avenue in anticipation of demonstrations tied to the EDSA anniversary.
WATCH: Maagang isinara sa mga motorista ang mga kalsadang papuntang Mendiola sa Maynila. Nakadeploy na rin Recto Ave. ang mga kapulisan para sa inaasahang mga pagkilos ngayong ika-40 anibersaryo ng EDSA People Power. | RH 29 @boy_gonzales, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/eIiLPQqPPx
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) February 24, 2026
Barricades reinforced with barbed wire have been installed in front of the Mendiola Peace Arch as a precautionary measure. Meanwhile, police personnel have positioned themselves along EDSA Annapolis northbound to prepare for possible protest actions.
Authorities said the measures are meant to ensure public safety amid expected gatherings and commemorative events.
Before the morning program, Tindig Pilipinas co-convenor Kiko Aquino Dee — grandson of former president Corazon Aquino and senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. — expressed support for calls to impeach certain government officials.
However, Aquino Dee emphasized that the 1987 Constitution remains one of the core legacies of the EDSA Revolution. He stressed that while civic action is vital, they oppose encouraging the military or similar forces to overthrow the government, underscoring their commitment to democratic and constitutional processes.
Participants of the Trillion Peso March have begun marching toward the People Power Monument in celebration of the anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.
Wreath-Laying Ceremony Held at People Power Monument for EDSA 40
A wreath-laying ceremony was held at the People Power Monument to mark the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.
Representatives from the local government, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and the Human Rights Violations Victims' Memorial Commission attended the ceremony to pay tribute to the historic uprising that restored democracy in 1986.
Also present were Erin Tañada III, president of the Liberal Party, and Francis Joseph Dee of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation, Inc.
PNP deploys around 15,000 police personnel in Metro Manila for EDSA 40
The Philippine National Police has deployed 14,900 personnel across Metro Manila on the 40th anniversary of the People Power Revolution, surpassing the initial plan of over 13,000 officers.
Groups call to end political dynasties, hold corrupt officials accountable on EDSA Anniversary
Various groups continued to call for an end to political dynasties and for the accountability of corrupt officials in the country during today’s program, February 25, commemorating the anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.
Protesters march in White Plains for 'Trillion Peso March 3'
Demontrators marched along White Plains in Quezon City today as part of the so-called ‘Trillion Peso March 3’.
Participants carried placards bearing messages such as; ‘sana matupad ang wish ni Kara David,’ ‘hindi pasisiil laban sa korapsyon,’ at ‘tayo ang people power, noon, ngayon at bukas.’
Clash erupts between PNP and protesters in EDSA-Ortigas
Tension and a physical confrontation erupted between the Philippine National Police (PNP) and militant groups along the EDSA-Ortigas area as a protest was held this afternoon.
