Today in History: The 1986 People Power Revolution in the Philippines

by Achala Gunasekara-Rockwell, PhD

Introduction

The 1986 People Power Revolution (22-25 February), also known as the EDSA Revolution, was a watershed moment in Philippine history that marked the end of the 20-year authoritarian rule of President Ferdinand Marcos. The revolution was notable for its peaceful and non-violent nature, with millions of people taking to the streets to demand the restoration of democracy and the rule of law. This article examines the causes, dynamics, and implications of the People Power Revolution, highlighting the power of mass mobilization and democratic resistance in effecting political change.

The revolution was a culmination of years of political and economic turmoil in the Philippines under the Marcos regime. The country was plagued by corruption, human rights abuses, and a deteriorating economy, leading to widespread discontent and calls for change. The opposition movement, led by Benigno Aquino Jr., was gaining momentum despite the government's efforts to suppress dissent. Aquino's assassination in 1983, upon his return from exile, further galvanized opposition to the Marcos regime and set the stage for the People Power Revolution.

Causes of the People Power Revolution

A series of events that exposed the Marcos regime's illegitimacy and abuse of power triggered the revolution. One of the key events that triggered the revolution was the snap elections held in February 1986. These elections were widely seen as fraudulent, with reports of vote-buying, ballot-stuffing, and other forms of electoral fraud. The opposition, led by Corazon Aquino, had initially planned to boycott the elections but later decided to participate. The widespread perception of fraud and manipulation by the Marcos regime, however, led to massive protests and growing outrage among the opposition and the public.

Another critical event was the defection of Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff Fidel Ramos to the opposition side. Enrile and Ramos, who were once close allies of Marcos, publicly broke ranks with the regime and declared their support for the opposition. This defection provided a significant boost to the opposition and showed that the military was no longer willing to support the Marcos regime.

The death of a protester, Lino Brocka, during a demonstration on February 13, 1986, further fueled public anger and mobilization. Brocka was a prominent filmmaker and activist who had been critical of the Marcos regime. His death at the hands of the police during a peaceful demonstration sparked outrage and galvanized opposition to the regime.

The economic crisis that had gripped the country during the Marcos regime also contributed to the revolution. The Philippine economy had stagnated during this time, with widespread poverty and inequality. The regime's policies of crony capitalism and corruption had also led to the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a small elite, while the majority of the population struggled to make ends meet.

Another cause was the repressive nature of the Marcos regime. The regime had curtailed civil liberties, suppressed dissent, and committed human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and torture. This repression had created a climate of fear and intimidation and had stifled opposition and dissent.

The regime's response to natural disasters also contributed to public dissatisfaction. In 1984, the country was hit by a devastating typhoon that left thousands dead and displaced. The Marcos regime was criticized for its slow and inadequate response to the disaster, which further eroded public trust and support.

Finally, the international context also played a role in the revolution. The Marcos regime had faced mounting criticism and pressure from the international community, particularly from the United States, which had been a key ally of the Philippines. The regime's human rights abuses and corruption had damaged its reputation and standing on the world stage and had led to growing calls for reform and change.

Dynamics of the People Power Revolution

The People Power Revolution in the Philippines was characterized by the mass mobilization of people and widespread civil disobedience, as millions of Filipinos from all walks of life took to the streets to demand the end of the Marcos dictatorship. This movement was largely peaceful and non-violent, with protesters using creative and innovative forms of resistance, such as singing, dancing, and forming human barricades to block military tanks.

Despite the government's attempts to suppress dissent through violence and intimidation, the people remained committed to their cause, and the movement continued to grow in size and strength. The role of the Catholic Church, particularly the Archbishop of Manila, Cardinal Jaime Sin, was also crucial in mobilizing the public and providing moral support for the opposition. Cardinal Sin played a pivotal role in calling for non-violent resistance and in calling on the people to protect the military defectors who had joined the opposition.

The revolution culminated in a dramatic standoff between Marcos' loyalists and protesters at the EDSA highway in Manila, which lasted for several days. The military had been ordered to disperse the protesters, but instead, they withdrew their support for the regime, signaling the end of Marcos' dictatorship. The peaceful nature of the revolution was a testament to the resilience and courage of the Filipino people, who had managed to achieve a historic victory without resorting to violence.

In the aftermath of the revolution, a new government was established, with Corazon Aquino as president. The revolution had marked the beginning of a new era of democracy and political freedom in the Philippines and had inspired similar movements around the world. The peaceful and non-violent nature of the revolution had shown that change could be achieved through mass mobilization and civil resistance and had demonstrated the power of ordinary people to bring about political change.

Implications of the People Power Revolution

The People Power Revolution of 1986 was a significant event that had far-reaching implications for the Philippines and the wider world. The revolution marked the end of the Marcos dictatorship, which had ruled the country with an iron fist for over two decades. The peaceful and non-violent nature of the revolution was a powerful example of the ability of ordinary citizens to effect change through collective action.

The revolution also ushered in a new era of democracy and political reform in the Philippines. The new government, led by President Corazon Aquino, was committed to rebuilding democratic institutions and promoting respect for human rights. The country embarked on a path of economic and social development, with significant gains in poverty reduction and social services.

The People Power Revolution inspired similar movements for democratic change in other parts of the world. The fall of communist regimes in Eastern Europe in the late 1980s and early 1990s was in part a result of the inspiration of the Philippines' peaceful and non-violent revolution.

However, the legacy of the revolution has been mixed. While there have been significant gains in political and civil liberties in the Philippines, there have also been ongoing challenges to democratic governance and human rights. Corruption, political violence, and extrajudicial killings continue to be serious issues in the country. The struggle for greater economic justice and social equality also remains a challenge.

Nonetheless, the People Power Revolution remains a powerful symbol of the power of ordinary people to effect change through collective action. It has inspired movements for democratic change around the world and continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of respecting and promoting human rights and democratic governance.

Conclusion

The People Power Revolution was a defining moment in Philippine history that demonstrated the power of mass mobilization and democratic resistance in effecting political change. The revolution was a culmination of years of struggle against a corrupt and repressive regime, and it served as a catalyst for democratic reform in the Philippines and beyond. While the legacy of the revolution remains contested, its impact on Philippine politics and society cannot be overstated. ■

For more information on the Marcos regime and contemporary Philippine domestic issues and international geopolitics, see the following from JIPA:

Indo-Pacific Visions Vodcast - Episode 9: Interview with Jose Antonio Custodio. Christopher Kolakowski interviews Philippine defense analyst Jose Antonio Custodio

---

"The Way Forward in the US–Philippines Alliance and Air Force Relations," by Dr. Stephen Burgess, Air War College

Out of the 11 Southeast Asian countries, this article focuses on the Philippines because it is the most important of two US allies in the region, has supported a rules-­based international order and free and open Indo-­Pacific in disputes with China over the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea (WPS/SCS), and has a defense and air force leadership with the willingness to collaborate with the United States Air Force (USAF). The article employs methods used in this author’s research on USAF–Indian Air Force and USAF–Vietnam Air Defense-­Air Force relations, evidence from Southeast Asian and US sources, including semi-­structured interviews, and the author’s recently published article on the collective action problem in confronting China in the WPS/SCS. First, the article analyzes the Philippines’ security profile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and PAF’s status, and the alliance with the United States. Second, the article appraises what Philippine officials would like the United States and USAF to do to build capacity and develop capabilities and then what the United States and USAF would like Philippines and its PAF to do, especially to counter and deter China. Third, the article assesses how Washington and the USAF might overcome barriers, advance mutual interests, and be creative in working with the Philippines and the PAF. Finally, the article weighs different scenarios about how US and USAF engagement with the Philippines and the PAF may change and evolve to meet future security goals, including the provision of deterrence in the WPS/SCS.

Air University Press Wisconsin Veterans Museum #Philippines #IndoPacific #history #geopolitics #PeoplePower #Marcos