Marking 40 Years of 'People Power', PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Attends Regional Democracy Consolidation in the Philippines

Secretary-General of PDI Perjuangan (PDIP) Hasto Kristiyanto attended the opening of a series of events organised by the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Manila on Thursday, 26 March 2026.

The forum, titled “All About Democracy,” serves as a platform for consolidating pro-democracy political forces in Asia amid global challenges of democratic regression.

Hasto’s presence in Manila was accompanied by the Chairman of the International Relations Department of PDIP’s Central Executive Board, Hanjaya Setiawan, PDIP Depok Branch Executive Board member drg. Rahma Charliyan, and several party sympathisers.

One by one, the attending party leaders were introduced by Moritz Kleine-Brockhoff, who previously served as Head of Southeast and East Asia for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF).

When introducing Hasto, Moritz described him as a democracy fighter who had even been imprisoned due to criminalisation. The statement immediately drew applause and cheers. Hasto, standing up, then saluted the entire audience.

“Hasto is one of my favourite political figures,” said Moritz.

The event was officially opened by the President of the Liberal Party of the Philippines, Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada III. In his speech, Tañada emphasised the historic moment of commemorating 80 years of the Liberal Party of the Philippines and 40 years of the People Power Revolution (EDSA). He asserted that the legitimacy of leadership must be based on active participation, not merely tradition.

“Democracy must start from our own ranks,” stressed Erin Tañada, who also marked the beginning of a new era of direct elections for CALD leadership.

Erin also explained that across the region and the world today, we are witnessing democratic backsliding, erosion of trust in institutions, and emerging challenges to fundamental freedoms.

“Let this meeting in Manila be our response. Let it be a space where we reaffirm our commitment not only to democratic ideals but to democratic actions. Let it be a place where we strengthen our partnerships, sharpen our strategies, and renew our resolve,” elaborated Tañada.

Immediately after the opening, the agenda continued with an important seminar session on the role of women titled “Democratic Resilience at Risk: Violence Against Women in Politics in Asia.” This session featured the iconic Philippine democracy figure, Leila de Lima, as the main panellist.