Catholics, Christians hit Marcos, Duterte at EDSA Shrine -

Rappler.com, Paterno R. Esmaquel II

MANILA, Philippines – Catholic and Christian groups united in a rally at the historic EDSA Shrine on Friday, January 31, to criticize both President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.

Protesters called for Duterte’s impeachment and a repeal of the controversial 2025 national budget that Marcos approved. Police said around 1,300 protesters attended the rally.

Sister Cho Borromeo, a veteran of the 1986 People Power Revolution, and social anthropologist Melba Maggay, president of the Institute for Studies in Asian Church and Culture, explained why Catholics and Christians alike need to speak up.

Sister Jo Borromeo, isang 81-year-old na veterano ng 1986 People Power Revolution dito sa EDSA

“Well, more than ever, there is a call really for good governance, no? Masyadong brazen ang corruption at the moment, no? So, this mobilization, this movement is sponsored by the clergy for good governance. So, pag may mga ganitong kilusan, I feel I have to be around. Because it is my way of making a stand.”

“I always stand on the side of truth.”

“And at this time, not to make a stand, is to stand on the side of darkness.”

Dr. Melba Magay, President ng Institute of Studies in Asian Church and Culture

“…sobra na at saka tama na …At kami po ngayon ay patuloy na dumadalangin, kumitindig, upang tutulang ang lahat ng ito. Mananagot ang dapat managot.”

“…Dahil ang mga evangelicals, yung mga National Council of Churches ng mga tao, UCCP, palagi silang nandyan.” “Pero yung evangelical na protestants, very allergic yan sa politics. So, mabuti naman na ang simbahan, for the first time, at least yung mga evangelicals, ay willing na na mag-alsa. Dahil issue na ito ng massive na robbery…”