Plumalaya

The 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution symbolizes the resilience and unity of Filipinos against oppression. From February 22 to 25, 1986, a historical four-day protest was fueled by a regime that maintained power through inhumane force and dictatorship. What happened during this revolution and why do we continue to commemorate it today, 39 years later? In September 1972, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared Martial Law through Proclamation 1081 that states military power to enforce laws. Marcos wanted to address communist threats, however, it led to widespread human rights abuses, media suppression, and the persecution of his opponents. Even after Marcos lifted Martial Law in 1981, his authoritarian rule continued On February 7, 1986, Marcos called for a snap election. His strongest opponent was Corazon 'Cory' Aquino, the widow of Senator Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino Jr., a critic of the Marcos administration who was assassinated on August 21, 1983. The results of the snap election were released on February 20, 1986 and Marcos proclaimed himself as the victor. However, many doubted the validity of the election due to reports of vote-buying, ballot tampering, and disenfranchisement. On that same day, Cory Aquino led a victory rally at Luneta and called for a civil disobedience against the Marcos administration. From February 22 to 24, 1986, the number of people at Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) continuously increased and thousands of people also surrounded Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame in a peaceful uprising against Marcos. Despite his attempts to break the protest, the people held their ground, and soldiers refused to fire on civilians. On February 25, 1986, Marcos held his own ceremony at Malacañang to declare his victory, but his broadcast was cut down. On that same day, the Marcoses fled to Hawaii, signaling the end of his 20-year rule. With Marcos gone, Corazon Aquino was sworn in as the president marking the return of democracy to the Philippines. Every year, we remember EDSA as a testament that we have the ability to stand up for what is right. It was a victory won not by weapons, but by the courage and conviction of the people. Keeping its spirit alive is our responsibility. #pluMALAYANGBOSES