People Power Revolution
In February of 1986 the people of the Philippines rose up against the repressive and authoritarian regime of Ferdinand Marcos. Under Marcos’ regime his political opponents were jailed and martial law was declared in order for him to remain in power indefinitely. Ninoy Aquino was one of those jailed and he formed his own political party, People’s Power from his prison cell in 1978. He was eventually released from prison but exiled. He spent three years in the United States but he was determined to return to the Philippines. He was assassinated at the Manilla International Airport on August 21, 1983.
His death caused widespread suspicion of the government among Filipinos, who responded with civil disobedience. Protests escalated until Marcos finally agreed to an election with Ninoy Aquino’s widow running for the opposition. Marcos declared himself the winner despite evidence that Corazon Aquino actually got the most votes. Millions gathered together in protest of the elections that many believed were completely false. Members of the military defected to join the protesters and landed their planes and helicopters in the rebel camps.
With many of the military defecting, the protesters now had military weapons which they used to destroy some of Marcos’ air assets. The army that was loyal to Marcos suggested an airstrike against the protesters because they could not keep withdrawing. But Marcos refused to fire into the crowds. Eventually he agreed to hand over the presidency to Corazon Aquino.
He then phoned the United States in order to get safe passage for himself, his family and his close followers to the United States. The revolution allowed for the restoration of the democratic institutions which had been stifled after 13 years under Marcos’ authoritarian rule. The uprising of the Filipino people is now celebrated every year as a non-working holiday.