People Power Revolution

Overview

• Also Known As: EDSA Revolution or February Revolution
• Date: February 22-25, 1986
• Location: Primarily in Metro Manila, Philippines
• Outcome:
  • End of Ferdinand Marcos's 20-year dictatorship
  • Restoration of democracy in the Philippines
  • Installation of Corazon Aquino as President

Causes

• Assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr. in 1983
• Electoral fraud during the 1986 snap presidential election
• Decades of oppressive and autocratic rule under Marcos

Key Events and Figures

• Main Political and Military Opposition:
  • UNIDO, PDPLaban, Liberal Party
  • Reform the Armed Forces Movement
  • Anti-Marcos civilian protesters
  • Religious and militant groups
• Government Forces:
  • Armed Forces of the Philippines, Presidential Security Group
• Leaders:
  • Opposition: Corazon Aquino, Salvador Laurel, Juan Ponce Enrile, Fidel Ramos, Jaime Sin
  • Government: Ferdinand Marcos, Imelda Marcos, Fabian Ver

Background

• Marcos elected president in 1965, re-elected in 1969 amid allegations of vote-buying
• Martial law declared in 1972, extending Marcos's rule
• Economic decline and increased civil unrest in the 1980s

Key Developments

Martial Law

• Proclamation No. 1081 declared martial law in 1972
• Gave Marcos full control over military and civil liberties
• Political opponents arrested, media shut down

Aquino Assassination

• Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. killed in 1983 upon return from exile
• His death led to increased public opposition and unrest

1986 Election and Civil Disobedience

• Snap elections announced in 1985
• Widespread reports of electoral fraud and violence
• COMELEC declared Marcos winner; opposition and international bodies disputed results
• Cardinal Sin and the Church played a significant role in urging non-violent protest

People Power Movement

• Mass mobilization of civilians, religious groups, and defecting military personnel
• Cardinal Sin's radio broadcast pivotal in mobilizing public support
• Peaceful protests centered on EDSA
• Defection of key military units crucial (e.g., helicopter pilots joining opposition)

Fall of Marcos

• February 25, 1986: Corazon Aquino and Ferdinand Marcos both took oaths of office
• Marcos fled to Hawaii after US intervention
• Aquino became president, marking the start of the Fifth Republic

Aftermath and Legacy

• Restoration of democratic institutions and press freedom
• Economic and political reforms initiated under Aquino's presidency
• The revolution inspired similar movements globally
• Annual commemoration of the revolution on February 25
• Rise of the Marcos family back into politics in subsequent decades

Key Memorials and Cultural Impact

• Sites: EDSA Shrine, Bantayog ng mga Bayani, People's Park
• Cultural References: Songs, films, and literature celebrating the revolution

Commemoration

• Annual public holiday in the Philippines, known as People Power Anniversary
• Educational and cultural events held to remember the revolution's significance