Senator Pangilinan calls for end to nepotism on 40th EDSA anniversary

On the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan on Wednesday, February 25, reflected on the enduring power of collective action, saying history has repeatedly shown how unity among citizens can turn the impossible into reality.

“Nagiging posible ang imposible sa sama-samang pagkilos ng sari-saring sektor para sa kapakanan ng nakakarami,” Pangilinan said in a statement commemorating the 1986 uprising that ended two decades of authoritarian rule and restored democratic institutions in the Philippines.

A former student activist during the dictatorship who later pursued reform through electoral politics, Pangilinan recalled how the events at EDSA reshaped the country’s political landscape and rekindled democratic freedoms.

“Naging posible ang imposible sa EDSA 40 years ago, nang matapos ang 20-year na one-man rule, at naibalik ang mga institusyon ng demokrasya tulad ng Senado at ng malayang pamamahayag,” he said.

Drawing parallels between the historic revolt and his own political journey, Pangilinan said public participation continues to defy political expectations.

“Naging posible and imposible noong halaan ng nakaraan taon nang lumundag ang ating ranking mula 17 hanggang 5 at napasama sa winning circle,” he said.

Invoking both faith and civic engagement, the senator added, “Sa awa ng Diyos at sa kilos ng tao, nangyari ang lahat ng ito at marami pang iba.”

Looking ahead, Pangilinan expressed hope that the same collective spirit could help resolve persistent economic and governance challenges facing the country.

“Sa awa ng Diyos at sa kilos ng tao, tataas ang kita ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda, at bababa ang presyo ng mga bilihin. Mananagot ang mga smuggler, hoarder, at mga kasabwat sa burukrasya,” he said.

He also pointed to long-sought political reforms, stressing that accountability and good governance must prevail.

“ Magiging posible rin na mawakasan ang nepotismo sa pulitika, at mapapanagot at makukulong na ang mga kurakot,” Pangilinan said.

As the nation commemorates four decades since the historic uprising, Pangilinan emphasized that the true legacy of EDSA lies not only in remembrance but in continuing reform.

“Magiging posible ang tila imposible sa sama-samang pagkilos ng iba’t ibang sektor para sa kapakanan ng pinakaaba at pinakamaliliit sa ating lipunan,” he said.