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History of the People Power Revolution (1986)

The People Power Revolution was a peaceful uprising in the Philippines that took place from February 22 to 25, 1986. It ended the 20-year rule of President Ferdinand Marcos and restored democracy after years of dictatorship and martial law.

Background
Marcos Regime

Ferdinand Marcos was elected president in 1965 and re-elected in 1969.

In 1972, he declared Martial Law, citing threats of communism and civil unrest.
Martial Law allowed him to rule by decree, arrest critics, control the media, and extend his power.
Human rights abuses, corruption, and economic decline fueled growing resentment.

=Triggering Events
Assassination of Ninoy Aquino (1983)
Opposition leader Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. was assassinated upon returning from exile.
His death sparked widespread protests and united the opposition.

=1986 Snap Elections
Marcos called for a snap election on February 7, 1986 to prove he still had public support.
He ran against Corazon “Cory” Aquino, the widow of Ninoy.
The election was marred by cheating, intimidation, and fraud.
The COMELEC declared Marcos the winner, but NAMFREL results and foreign observers disagreed.
Cory Aquino called for peaceful civil disobedience.

The Four Days of EDSA (Feb 22–25, 1986)

=February 22
Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and General Fidel V. Ramos broke away from Marcos.

=They sought refuge in Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame.
Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin appealed on Radio Veritas for people to support them.

=February 23–24
Millions of Filipinos—ordinary citizens, priests, nuns, families—gathered along EDSA.

=They formed human barricades to protect the defecting soldiers.
People brought food, flowers, and rosaries; not weapons.
Tanks and troops were sent but were stopped by peaceful crowds.

=February 25
Two inaugurations occurred:
Cory Aquino was sworn in at Club Filipino.

:Marcos held his own oath-taking in Malacañang, but his regime was already collapsing.
:Later that night, Marcos and his family fled to Hawaii.

=Outcome and Significance
:Achievements
Cory Aquino became the 11th President of the Philippines.

=Democracy was restored.
Political prisoners were released; press freedom returned.
A new constitution (1987) was drafted, limiting presidential powers and strengthening democratic institutions.

=Global Impact
The peaceful revolution inspired other nonviolent movements worldwide.
It showed how unity and civil resistance could topple dictatorships without armed conflict.

=Why It Is Called “People Power”
Because the victory came from ordinary Filipinos, not from weapons or military takeover. It was a movement of unity, courage, and peaceful resistance.