The Demands of Justice

As the Philippines marks the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, the nation reflects on a historic moment that restored democratic institutions and reaffirmed the principle that no leader is above the law.

This year’s commemoration comes amid a significant legal development: the International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte over alleged crimes against humanity in connection with his administration’s anti-drug campaign.

 The confirmation of charges means the case will proceed to trial, not that guilt has been established.

The issue has sharply divided the public. Supporters argue that Duterte’s campaign responded to a real crisis of drugs, crime, and addiction that threatened communities nationwide.

Many families who have lost loved ones to criminal violence ask whether the rights of victims are being overshadowed in debates centered on the rights of suspects. Do law-abiding citizens not equally deserve protection and justice?

Human rights advocates, however, maintain that democracy requires due process and accountability, especially for those in power.

They argue that the rule of law must prevail even in times of crisis, and that legal scrutiny whether domestic or international is part of democratic checks and balances.

Forty years after EDSA, the Philippines again confronts fundamental questions: Can the nation uphold both public safety and human rights?

 Can institutions deliver justice fairly and consistently? And are democratic mechanisms strong enough to address allegations at the highest levels of government?

The anniversary is a reminder that democracy is not merely about removing leaders it is about sustaining accountability, fighting corruption, and ensuring that justice serves both the victims of crime and the principles of the Constitution.

EDSA’s legacy endures in one enduring truth: power must always answer to the law, and the law must serve the people.