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People power not dead, says priest in homily

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE 2) People power is not dead, according to the parish priest in Baclaran in his homily at Monday’s “mass for Truth and Accountability” to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the first people power revolt that ousted former president Ferdinand Marcos.

"Tama na sobra na kumilos na [Enough is enough, act now]," said Father Joey Echano, one of 10 priests concelebrating the mass attended by personalities in politics, civil society and business, led by former president Corazon Aquino.

"Hindi patay ang people power...ito ay sisibol nang mas may lakas at
kapangyarihan [People power is not dead, it will rise stronger]," Echano added, adding that the revolution must start from within.

"Kailangan ng katotohanan upang tayo ay umunlad. Walang tunay na
kaunlaran kung walang katotohanan, [We need the truth to progress. There is no real progress if there is not truth]," Echano said.

Aquino, in her trademark yellow dress, was seated beside Rodolfo Lozada Jr., the key witness in the national broadband network controversy.

Also present were former Senate president Franklin Drilon, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim; Gina De Venecia, wife of ousted Speaker Jose De Venecia; Ramon del Rosario of the Makati Business Club; Edward Go, chairman of the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel); Leah Navarro of the Black and White movement; Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo and Parañaque Representative Roilo Golez.

Members of the “Hyatt 10,” a group of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's former Cabinet members who resigned at the height of the wiretapping scandal, were also at the mass.

After the mass, Aquino, who led the first popular revolt, lauded Lozada for his “sacrifice” in trying to find the truth.

She said the day would come when Lozada would find peace.

Meanwhile, Lozada urged Filipinos to tell the truth, serve only the truth, and fight for the truth.

Lozada also shared anecdotes of his experience at EDSA 1, describing it as his "first experience of being a Filipino."

Drilon said the call for truth did not end after the mass.

"After this we should continue to join rallies in order to put continuous pressure on the administration," said Drilon, adding that he fears the government "might even believe in their own lies."

• 22 years after EDSA 1, nation remains divided
• Join people in ‘transformation through faith in God’
• Arroyo to people: ‘Remind Senate of ‘rule of law’

• 50% of flu victims in their teens, pre-teens
• CBCP happy with poll automation development
• De Castro unveils good governance agenda
• Prayer power for Aquino spreads to Internet
• CBCP head favors partial poll automation
• Automation firms say machines 100% accurate
• Hundreds of Moro rebels slain—military