Jonathan Frederic De Santos

Hundreds of protesters gather at the EDSA Shrine on Feb.25, 2026, the 40th year since the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution that ousted the dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Photo courtesy: Chloe Novenario

Article (news)

Harlene Delgado

ABS-CBN News

<div> </div>MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte, who has been ambivalent on the 1986 EDSA People Power uprising, referenced it Wednesday in a speech before government accountants to call for transparency in public spending.Speaking before the Philippine Association of Local Government Accountants’ (PHALGA) 18th Mindanao Geographical Conference in Davao City, Duterte said the EDSA People Power Revolution “has taught us that change does not always begin in the halls of authority, but it begins with conscience.” She also called on her fellow public servants to “always lead with principle, grow with integrity, and excel not by compliance alone but with courage in our hearts.”She said that 40 years since EDSA, “Filipinos are rightly demanding to know where your money went while they lose their homes and livelihoods to every storm.“<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/26/archbishop-villegas-laments-moral-decline-at-edsa-40-mass-0043">&#x27;Nakakahiya, nakakasuka&#x27;: Archbishop Villegas laments moral decline at EDSA 40 mass </a></div>She added: “When budgets are bloated but no tangible progress is felt, that is not technical error. That is failure of integrity in the budget process.”President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Duterte&#x27;s former political ally, launched an investigation in 2025 into corruption in flood control projects, a controversy that prompted widespread protests as well as criticism of perceived inaction in the months since.Duterte, meanwhile, faces questions on alleged irregularities in her office&#x27;s use of confidential funds, the subject of proceedings that the Supreme Court blocked last year. Two fresh complaints against her are pending at the House. Duterte also reminded punong barangays, treasurers, and Sangguniang Kabataan leaders that “the budget that we protect from corruption is the protection of every Filipino family”, emphasizing that “every transparent audit is an act of patriotism”.“To stand firm in the face of threats, harassment and bribery requires courage. But remember when you feel lonely, every time you uphold what is right, you honor the spirit of People Power,” she said.Duterte has refrained from releasing messages commemorating EDSA People Power, which is associated with the liberal opposition, the Catholic Church, and activists — sectors that were critical of her father&#x27;s presidency and policies.“Forty years later, we are in this hall. The call is the same. Serve with integrity, protect the public trust,” she said.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/25/trillion-peso-march-participants-call-for-accountability-amid-corruption-scandal-2042">Trillion Peso March participants call for accountability amid corruption scandal </a></div>At the same gathering, Duterte thanked Philippine Association of Local Government Accountants for inviting her to speak. She said other unnamed groups had cancelled invitations for her to speak since she resigned as education secretary in 2024. &quot;Lalo na noong nag-declare ako na tatakbo bilang president, marami ang nag-cancel ng kanilang imbitasyon sa akin dahil hindi daw nila gusto na pag-initan sila ng administrasyon,&quot; she said, referring to an announcement she made last week.(Especially when I declared I would run for president... many cancelled their invitations because, they said, they were afraid to get in trouble with the administration)

Speaking before the Philippine Association of Local Government Accountants in Davao City, Duterte said the EDSA People Power Revolution “has taught us that change does not always begin in the halls of authority, but it begins with conscience.”

Speaking before the Philippine Association of Local Government Accountants in Davao City, Duterte said the EDSA People Power Revolution “has taught us that change does not always begin in the halls of authority, but it begins with conscience.”

VP Duterte: Standing for what is right ‘honors spirit of People Power’

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VP Duterte: Standing for what is right ‘honors spirit of People Power’

Harlene Delgado,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 26, 2026 12:08 PM PHT

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Updated February 26, 2026 02:25 PM PHT

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Sara Duterte

EDSA People Power

People Power

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