This year we celebrate the 40th year anniversary of EDSA People Power, the movement that ousted the Marcos Sr. dictatorship after years of unchecked crimes, human rights violations, and corruption.

Millions came together to demand justice and accountability from his crooked regime and we, as freedom loving Filipinos, must continue this legacy today.

Duterte may not show up in court but the world, and especially the loved ones of his 30,000+ victims will be paying attention. We welcome the revelation of eight co-perpetrators in Duterte's deadly scheme and swift action must be taken to ensure they are held to account. With the critical addition of at least 500 claimants in the trial, we remain cautiously optimistic that the trial will bring justice and Duterte would be held accountable for his crimes against the Filipino people.

Malaya Movement condemns the increase of U.S. militarism in the Philippines and the continued collaboration of the fascist Marcos and Trump regimes, which will further endanger Filipinos as the U.S. ramps up its conflict with China. In early January 2026, the U.S. revealed its new Army Rotational Force-Philippines, which has already been covertly operating since July 2025, further stepping up its military presence in the country under the guise of protecting the region from "Chinese coercion".

Calling a valid impeachment process a "distraction" speaks volumes about BBM's respect for actual democracy. It's like deja vu from Sara's impeachment last year. These separate impeachment attempts against the president and the vice president show a clear divide in Congress: the House of Reps behind Marcos while Sara maintains strong support in the Senate and the Supreme Court - all unwilling and incapable of actually upholding democracy.

Our hearts feel profound relief that Chantal Anicoche is alive and finally safe. This would not have happened without thousands who acted to pressure the Philippine military into revealing they secretly had Chantal alive in their custody and then releasing her after 3 weeks of constant public outrage.

We also feel angry and disturbed that those 3 weeks were likely defined by physical and psychological torment, like many who were either killed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) like Chad Booc or survived the AFP like Jonila Castro.

As Filipino educators and allies in the United States, we echo the calls to release Filipino American youth activist, Chantal Anicoche, from the custody of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and safely return her to the United States. While a student leader at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Chantal learned about her identity, culture, and indigenous and environmental issues in the province of Mindoro, Philippines.