MANILA, Philippines — Francis Kiko Aquino Dee, co-convenor of Tindig Pilipinas, called on the youth and future generations to take an active role in nation-building during the “Not a Marcos Resign Trillion Peso March Rally” held at the EDSA Shrine on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

In his speech during the “Prayer Power” program, Dee emphasized that the true strength of People Power lies with the citizens themselves, not merely in slogans or political theatrics. He stated: “Hamon ko sa kabataan at mga susunod na henerasyon: kailangan natin tumindig. Tayo ang People Power. Tayo ang may kapangyarihan na ayusin ang bayang ito.” — roughly translating to: “I challenge the youth and future generations: we must stand. We are People Power. We hold the power to fix this country.”

Dee also clarified that the rally and related activities would not allow calls for “Marcos Resign,” citing concerns that such demands could contravene the Constitution and the principles of peaceful civic action. His stance reflects a broader conversation in Philippine politics about the balance between active citizen engagement and adherence to institutional processes.

This event illustrates a recurring question in democratic societies: how can citizens exercise influence responsibly without undermining legal and constitutional frameworks? While rallies and activism remain central to democratic expression, their impact depends on whether participants channel energy toward constructive reforms rather than symbolic gestures alone. The question remains: Can people power effect meaningful change within the boundaries of law, or does true transformation require both civic action and systemic reform? (Larawan mula sa: Google)