Statement of Manay Leila M. de Lima On the Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

There was a time when the Filipino people, unarmed and unafraid, stood together and faced down a dictator. They did not march for power, nor for personal gain. They marched for truth, for justice, for the right to live in a country where no man—no family—would hold the nation hostage ever again.

The EDSA Revolution was not a myth. It was not a mistake. It was a moment of collective courage, a moment when Filipinos proved that democracy is not just an idea—it is a fight. A fight that must be waged again and again, in every generation, because tyranny never truly disappears. It merely waits, repackages itself, and returns.

I know this because I have lived it. I was imprisoned for 2,454 days, locked away for crimes I did not commit, because I dared to confront the powerful. I know what it means to have your rights stripped away. I know what it means to be silenced, demonized, and left to rot by a government that believes it can act with impunity. But I also know what it means to resist—to hold on, to fight back, and to prove that they can jail a person, but never the truth.

That is why, on this anniversary of EDSA, I do not ask Filipinos to simply remember. Memory alone is not enough.

I ask you to recognize that our fight is not over.

We are once again being asked to forget. To look away as history is rewritten, as our institutions are hollowed out, as those who orchestrated suffering are not only welcomed back into power—but celebrated. We are being asked to tolerate impunity, to move on from the crimes of the past, and to accept a future dictated by dynasties and tyrants.

I refuse. And I ask you to refuse with me.

So today, as we mark another year since we reclaimed our freedom, I call on every Filipino: Reject fear. Reject lies. Reject complacency.

Choose courage. Choose action. Choose to fight—again, and always.

The spirit of EDSA is alive in every Filipino who refuses to bow to oppression. As long as there are those who stand, those who speak, and those who march, EDSA is not just history—it is the future we will claim, together.

Tuloy ang laban. Tuloy ang EDSA. Para sa hustisya. Para sa katotohanan. Para sa Pilipino. 

Fact Check: Did the U.S. Really Name Duterte an Anti-Corruption Champion? The Truth Will Shock You!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

​The claim that former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was recognized by the U.S. Department of State as one of its International Anti-Corruption Champions is false. There are no credible sources supporting this assertion. In fact, a fact-check by Rappler in 2020 debunked similar claims, clarifying that Duterte was not among those honored by the U.S. Department of State for anti-corruption efforts. ​

During Duterte's tenure, the Philippines experienced a decline in its ranking on Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index, dropping from 101st in 2016 to 115th in 2020. Additionally, Duterte's administration faced significant criticism for alleged human rights violations and extrajudicial killings associated with his anti-drug campaign, leading to an investigation by the International Criminal Court. ​

Given these circumstances, it is unlikely that the U.S. Department of State would recognize Duterte as an anti-corruption champion.​

Pope Francis' Health Crisis: Prayers, Concern, and the Battle Against Double Pneumonia

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Pope Francis remains in a critical condition as he battles double pneumonia, with Vatican updates confirming a “mild renal insufficiency” alongside his respiratory struggles. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after experiencing a prolonged asthma-like crisis. Despite the grave nature of his illness, the Vatican assured that his condition has stabilized, though his prognosis remains uncertain.

A Complex Health Battle

Double pneumonia, a severe lung infection affecting both lungs, has left Pope Francis dependent on high-flow oxygen therapy. The Vatican has described his infection as “complex”, indicating the presence of multiple microorganisms causing inflammation and potential lung scarring.

Further complicating his condition, recent blood tests revealed an initial stage of kidney insufficiency. While currently under control, renal complications can pose significant risks, especially for elderly patients with pre-existing conditions.

This latest health scare comes as Francis continues to battle age-related frailty and a medical history that includes pleurisy in his youth, which led to the removal of part of his lung. His vulnerability to respiratory infections has been a longstanding concern, making this latest battle particularly worrisome.

A Critical Moment for the Vatican and the Catholic World

For two consecutive Sundays, Pope Francis has been unable to lead his weekly prayers in St. Peter’s Square. Instead, he issued a written message, expressing gratitude for the medical team attending to him and the outpouring of prayers from around the world.

Inside the Vatican, high-ranking officials are leading special masses dedicated to his recovery. Archbishop Rino Fisichella urged the faithful to intensify their prayers, stating that now is a time for “stronger and more intense” devotion.

Pilgrims Gather in Prayer and Hope

The Pope’s health crisis has drawn devoted followers and well-wishers to the Vatican and Gemelli Hospital. Near St. Peter’s Basilica, visitors from around the world have gathered, sharing their concern and offering prayers.

Elvira Romana, an Italian pilgrim, expressed deep sadness: “I don’t know how you can continue normally at this moment.”

Matteo Licari from Sardinia voiced his anxiety: “Let’s hope he can keep living. We are waiting for him to come back.”

Outside Gemelli Hospital, a statue of the late Pope John Paul II, who was frequently treated at the same facility, has become an impromptu shrine. Candles flicker, flowers are laid, and handwritten notes of support pile up—testament to the global concern for Francis' recovery.

Medical Experts Weigh In: A Dangerous Crossroad

Doctors monitoring the Pope have highlighted the serious risks of his condition. Dr. Sergio Alfieri, a senior specialist at Gemelli, warned that the biggest danger now is sepsis, a life-threatening infection that could spread into the bloodstream. Given Francis’ age and frailty, any further complications could prove difficult to overcome.

However, there have been small signs of improvement:

His recent blood transfusion helped stabilize his hemoglobin levels, improving oxygen transport in his body.

Platelet levels—critical for blood clotting and preventing internal bleeding—remain stable, easing concerns of further complications.

What’s Next for Pope Francis?

While the Vatican has not disclosed an expected discharge date, the coming days will be critical. Doctors are closely monitoring how his body responds to ongoing treatments, including antibiotics and oxygen therapy.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Church stands at a moment of uncertainty and reflection. Pope Francis, known for his progressive leadership and deep compassion, has remained dedicated to his mission despite his declining health. The world watches and prays, hoping that he will once again step onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, continuing his message of faith, unity, and hope.

For now, the Church waits, the faithful pray, and the world holds its breath.