Makakalikasan-Nature Party Philippines
As we mark the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, the Filipino people once again commemorate the historic movement that toppled a dictatorship and restored democracy in the country. However, despite this victory, real and lasting change remains elusive.
According to Party Chairperson and National Leader Orlando Ravanera, “Nearly four decades after EDSA, political dynasties, corruption, and injustice continue to spread throughout our country. A glaring example of this is the ongoing oppression of Indigenous communities, who are losing their ancestral lands due to corporate greed and government neglect. Their rights are continuously violated, and many of them fall victim to violence and abuse.” These issues contribute to widespread poverty and inequality in our society.
While poverty incidence dropped from 18.1% in 2021 to 15.5% in 2023, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, this still means millions of Filipinos remain below the poverty line. “These numbers are not enough to claim that the lives of all Filipinos have truly improved,” said Party President and 2025 May Senatorial Candidate Roy Cabonegro.
Moreover, studies show that poverty reduction in the Philippines has been slower compared to neighboring ASEAN countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. One reason is the country’s lower average GDP growth rate and persistently high food inflation. “We need stronger policies and programs to catch up with our neighbors’ progress,” said Party Secretary General Rommel Ortega.
Despite reforms after EDSA, political dynasties continue to thrive, and corruption in government has worsened. Many public officials have cases of plunder and other crimes, yet they remain in power. “The revolutions in EDSA have only changed faces, not the system itself,” Ravanera added.
THE WORSENING ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS-Over the past decades, environmental conditions in the Philippines have drastically deteriorated. According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), forest cover, which was at 70% in the early 20th century, had dropped to 23% by 1988 and has continued to decline. This deforestation has led to severe flooding and landslides, causing destruction of property and loss of lives.
Additionally, data from the Climate Change Commission shows that the average temperature in the Philippines has increased by 0.65°C from 1951 to 2010, leading to more extreme weather patterns and changes in rainfall distribution. These changes have resulted in more frequent and intense natural disasters, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities.
According to PAGASA, the number of strong typhoons hitting the country has increased, including super typhoons like Yolanda in 2013, which claimed over 6,000 lives. Meanwhile, the Philippines is experiencing a sea level rise of 5.7 mm per year—higher than the global average of 3.3 mm—threatening coastal communities with submersion.
The agricultural sector has also suffered significant losses. Data from the Department of Agriculture reveals that from 2010 to 2022, climate-related disasters have caused nearly ₱290 billion in damages to agriculture. This decline in food production has worsened food security issues, further impoverishing farmers and fisherfolk.
THE CALL OF MAKAKALIKASAN PARTY In response to these challenges, the Makakalikasan Nature Party Philippines calls for the following actions:
- Parallel Green Government (Shadow Government) – The establishment of an alternative government that mirrors all elected and appointed national government positions up to the director level. This will serve as a watchdog and policy advisory body to ensure transparency and accountability in governance.
- Barangay Local Green People’s Councils powered by People’s Initiative – The creation of community-based councils in every barangay, led by citizens through the People’s Initiative, to directly participate in policymaking and local project implementation.
“We can’t just keep focusing on EDSA and government changes in Metro Manila alone,” Cabonegro stated. “There should be an EDSA in every municipality and city. EDSA revolutions have only resulted in more traditional politicians, political dynasties, and criminals staying in power!”
It is time for real people’s power to take hold. Commemorating EDSA is not enough; concrete action is needed to bring about genuine change. The future of our country is in our hands. Together, let us push for a just, clean, and environmentally sustainable society for all.
