February 25, 2025
Manila, Philippines
Today marks the 39th anniversary of the People Power Revolution, a historic uprising that ended the Marcos dictatorship. The event was the culmination of 14 years of struggle by the Filipino people against tyranny, human rights abuses, and the plundering of national resources.
As disinformation campaigns attempt to rewrite history and glorify the martial law era, the Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines (CMSP) remains steadfast in remembering the horrors of dictatorship and the heroism of those who resisted it.
“It was a time of darkness and light. A time of terror and courage. A time of repression and resistance. A time of subservience and sacrifice. A time of silence and protest.”
Religious leaders, priests, and laypersons stood in solidarity with the marginalized—workers, farmers, the urban poor, women, and youth—grounding their faith in action. Inspired by Jesus Christ, they immersed themselves in the struggles of the people, forming task forces to aid those affected by repression, injustice, and poverty.
Many suffered persecution, and some paid with their lives for their prophetic stand against oppression. Today, the CMSP honors the countless martyrs and heroes of the anti-dictatorship struggle. Their courage and sacrifice paved the way for the freedom Filipinos enjoy today.
Yet, even as the nation commemorates this milestone, new challenges emerge: continuing human rights violations, corruption, political dynasties, and environmental crises. Red-tagging and attacks on those advocating for justice and transparency persist, raising concerns that the mistakes of the past are being repeated.
“The more things change, the more they remain the same,” the CMSP statement laments. As the election season looms, questions arise about the power of the people to break free from the cycle of patronage and corruption. However, the CMSP remains hopeful that, just as the dictatorship was overthrown, the Filipino people can once again demand and enact meaningful change.
In this year of jubilee, the CMSP calls for renewed commitment to justice and truth, urging institutions to integrate martial law history into education and formation programs.
“We vow never to forget,” the CMSP declares. “We will continue to amplify the voices of the poor and oppressed, upholding the prophetic mission of the Church.”
Quoting Jeremiah 1:10, the CMSP reiterates its commitment:
“See, I have this day set thee over the nations and the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.”
The statement is signed by:
Sr. Cecilia A. Espenilla, OP
Fr. Lino Gregorio V. Redoblado, OFM
CMSP Co-Chairpersons
Society of Jesus' social apostolate 