The 1986 People Power Revolution, also known as the EDSA Revolution, was a defining moment in the history of the Philippines. It marked the peaceful overthrow of President Ferdinand Marcos, who had been in power for more than 20 years, during which he imposed martial law and maintained an authoritarian regime. The revolution was the culmination of widespread public dissatisfaction with Marcos’ rule, which was characterized by human rights abuses, corruption, and political repression.
The movement, which took place from February 22 to 25, 1986, was fueled by a broad coalition of Filipinos from all walks of life, including the military, political leaders, religious groups, and ordinary citizens. The catalyst for the revolution was the disputed presidential election held in February 1986, which many believed to be rigged in favor of Marcos. The opposition, led by Corazon Aquino, the widow of assassinated opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr., called for the resignation of Marcos and the restoration of democracy.
What made the revolution remarkable was its peaceful nature. Despite the high stakes, the people of the Philippines showed extraordinary unity and courage, gathering in large numbers at Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Metro Manila, where they peacefully blocked military tanks and armed forces loyal to Marcos. The protestors were joined by key military figures who defected from the Marcos regime, including then-Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and General Fidel Ramos. The Filipino people’s non-violent resistance ultimately led to the peaceful departure of Marcos and his family into exile in Hawaii.
The EDSA Revolution not only restored democracy in the Philippines but also became an iconic symbol of nonviolent revolution worldwide. It demonstrated the power of the people in standing up against injustice, and the desire for freedom and justice. It also led to the assumption of Corazon Aquino as president, making her the first female president of the Philippines and signaling a new era of democratic governance. Today, the revolution is commemorated annually in the Philippines, reminding the nation of the importance of democracy, unity, and the collective power of the people.
The Rise of Ferdinand Marcos
Ferdinand Marcos emerged as a dominant figure in Philippine politics after his successful bid for the presidency in 1965. His rise to power was initially hailed as a promising new chapter for the nation, as he campaigned on a platform of prosperity, national development, and modernization. Marcos’s first term saw infrastructure projects and the promise of progress, which earned him the support of many Filipinos. However, his tenure quickly soured as his policies veered toward authoritarianism and the concentration of power in his hands.
In 1969, Marcos secured re-election, but his second term marked the beginning of a significant shift in governance. As economic challenges mounted and social unrest grew, Marcos increasingly relied on authoritarian tactics to maintain control. In 1972, he declared Martial Law, citing the need to suppress communist insurgency and maintain national security. This move effectively granted him dictatorial powers, enabling him to rule by decree and bypass democratic institutions.
The declaration of Martial Law allowed Marcos to extend his control over the military, the media, and the judiciary. He used this power to silence critics, curtail freedoms, and suppress opposition. Widespread censorship became a hallmark of his regime, as the press was tightly controlled, and political dissent was ruthlessly crushed. Opposition leaders, activists, and perceived enemies of the state were arrested, tortured, or forced into exile. This period saw the forced relocation of many citizens, especially those deemed to be a threat to his government, contributing to the overall climate of fear and repression.
Despite the growing unrest, Marcos’s regime was marked by rampant corruption. He and his allies accumulated vast amounts of wealth, often at the expense of the Filipino people. State resources were diverted for personal gain, and Marcos’s family and cronies became entrenched in positions of power, further consolidating their control over the country’s economic and political systems. This corruption was not limited to financial gains but extended to the manipulation of elections, favoritism in government contracts, and the use of patronage to maintain political loyalty.
The widespread oppression, economic mismanagement, and blatant disregard for human rights led to mounting public dissatisfaction. Both domestic and international resistance to Marcos grew over the years. Protests, underground movements, and calls for democracy intensified, and the government’s abuses became increasingly difficult to conceal. By the 1980s, the Marcos regime was under significant pressure, culminating in the People Power Revolution of 1986, which ultimately led to his ousting and the restoration of democratic rule in the Philippines.
The Assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr.
One of the most pivotal events that ignited the People Power Revolution in the Philippines was the assassination of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., a former senator and the leading figure of the political opposition, in 1983. Aquino had spent several years in exile in the United States, after being imprisoned by the regime of Ferdinand Marcos. Upon his return to the Philippines on August 21, 1983, Aquino was tragically shot dead at the Manila International Airport, just moments after disembarking from his plane. His assassination quickly became a defining moment in the country’s history.
At the time of his death, the Marcos regime was already under immense pressure due to growing dissatisfaction with its rule, which was characterized by widespread corruption, human rights abuses, and an increasing authoritarian grip. Aquino’s murder shocked the nation and triggered an overwhelming outpouring of grief and anger. It also led to widespread protests, with citizens taking to the streets to demand justice for the slain opposition leader. His death not only fueled a political crisis but also further eroded the already shaky legitimacy of Marcos’ government.
Aquino’s assassination became a unifying force for the fragmented opposition. It galvanized a collective movement calling for democratic reforms, the restoration of human rights, and an end to martial law. The event also catapulted his widow, Corazon “Cory” Aquino, into the national spotlight. Cory, who had been relatively unknown in the political sphere before her husband’s death, emerged as the face of the anti-Marcos movement. Despite her lack of political experience, Cory Aquino’s steadfast commitment to justice and democracy made her a powerful symbol of hope for millions of Filipinos who were desperate for change.
Cory’s rise to prominence was fueled by her advocacy for nonviolent resistance, a message that resonated deeply with the Filipino people. As she became the rallying point for the opposition, she garnered the support of various political factions, civil society organizations, and grassroots movements. Aquino’s leadership was pivotal in the months leading up to the historic 1986 People Power Revolution, which ultimately led to the ousting of Ferdinand Marcos and the restoration of democracy in the Philippines. Cory Aquino’s role in the revolution cemented her status as a national hero and she went on to become the first female president of the Philippines.
The assassination of Ninoy Aquino thus set in motion a series of events that would eventually change the political landscape of the Philippines, shifting the course of the nation’s history and inspiring a peaceful revolution that became a model for similar movements around the world.
The 1986 Presidential Election
In February 1986, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, who had been in power for two decades, called for a presidential election in an attempt to legitimize his authoritarian regime. Marcos, who had declared martial law in 1972, sought re-election in what he claimed would be a democratic process, despite increasing criticism and unrest within the country. The move was seen by many as a strategy to maintain control over the government amid mounting opposition.
Marcos’ main challenger was Corazon “Cory” Aquino, the widow of assassinated opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr. She emerged as the symbol of resistance against the Marcos dictatorship. Aquino’s candidacy was backed by a broad coalition of political groups, including leftist, centrist, and democratic factions, all united by their desire to oust Marcos and restore democracy in the Philippines. The election was expected to be a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.
The electoral process, however, was marred by widespread allegations of fraud and irregularities. The voting system was highly criticized for manipulation, ballot tampering, and the intimidation of voters, all of which undermined public trust in the process. The official tally declared Marcos as the winner, but the opposition immediately rejected the results, alleging that they were rigged to ensure his continued rule. As a result, the election results were fiercely contested, with both sides claiming victory.
The controversy surrounding the election triggered massive protests and demonstrations throughout the country. Thousands of Filipinos took to the streets, demanding the resignation of Marcos and an end to his dictatorship. These protests quickly gained momentum and were bolstered by the support of various sectors of society, including the military, which began to fracture in its loyalty to Marcos. The crisis reached a boiling point, leading to the eruption of what became known as the People Power Revolution.
The election and its aftermath became a defining moment in Philippine history, as the widespread protests and demonstrations paved the way for the eventual ouster of Ferdinand Marcos. Marcos, facing mounting pressure, fled the country in February 1986, and Corazon Aquino was declared the rightful president. The peaceful revolution marked the end of a brutal dictatorship and the restoration of democratic rule in the Philippines.
The EDSA Revolution: A Peaceful Uprising
On February 22, 1986, a group of military officials, including Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff Fidel V. Ramos, withdrew their support for Marcos. They defected to the side of Cory Aquino and called for the people to join them. What followed was a massive, peaceful uprising along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Metro Manila.
Millions of Filipinos—men, women, and children—took to the streets in a historic show of unity and solidarity. The protesters were not armed, and they carried out peaceful demonstrations, offering flowers and food to soldiers. The military defectors, alongside thousands of civilians, held their ground against Marcos’ loyalists, despite the tension and fear of violence.
The nonviolent nature of the revolution made it a unique and inspiring event. People from all walks of life, including religious groups, students, professionals, and workers, stood together to demand the removal of the dictator.
Marcos Flees and Cory Aquino Becomes President
On February 25, 1986, under increasing pressure, Marcos and his family fled the Philippines and sought refuge in Hawaii. Cory Aquino was sworn in as the 11th President of the Philippines, and the country was officially freed from over 20 years of authoritarian rule.
The People Power Revolution was not only a victory for the Filipino people but also a momentous occasion for democracy worldwide. It proved that change could come through nonviolent means, inspiring other movements for freedom and democracy across the globe.
The Legacy of the People Power Revolution
The 1986 People Power Revolution remains a symbol of the power of the people and the triumph of democracy. It marked the end of an era of dictatorship and set the stage for a new chapter in Philippine history. While the revolution did not immediately solve all of the country’s problems, it paved the way for political reforms and the restoration of civil liberties.
Today, the People Power Revolution is celebrated every year on February 25, known as EDSA People Power Day, as a reminder of the strength of the Filipino people and their unwavering commitment to democracy.
