On this day in 1986, millions of Filipinos poured into the streets in a stunning display of unity and courage that reshaped their nation’s future.
After more than two decades of authoritarian rule, a largely peaceful uprising forced President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to flee, marking a turning point not only for the Philippines but for democratic movements worldwide.
The Roots of Authoritarian Rule
When Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was first elected president of the Philippines in 1965, he presented himself as a reformer and war hero.
Over time, however, his leadership grew increasingly authoritarian. In 1972, he declared martial law, citing threats of communist insurgency and civil unrest.
Congress was dissolved, media outlets were shut down, and thousands of political opponents, activists, and journalists were arrested.
Martial law allowed Marcos to rule by decree, consolidating power around himself, his family, and close allies.
Corruption became widespread, and critics accused the regime of amassing vast personal wealth while much of the population struggled with poverty and economic decline.
Although martial law was formally lifted in 1981, Marcos retained sweeping powers, and dissent continued to be suppressed.
The Assassination That Sparked a Movement
The turning point came in 1983 with the assassination of opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr. upon his return to Manila from exile. His death shocked the nation and galvanized public anger. Millions attended his funeral, transforming it into a massive protest against the regime.
Aquino’s widow, Corazon Aquino, soon emerged as a unifying figure for the opposition. Soft-spoken yet determined, she became the face of a growing democratic movement demanding accountability, transparency, and free elections.
Economic instability and mounting foreign debt further eroded confidence in Marcos’s leadership, both domestically and abroad.
The Snap Election and Fraud Allegations
In an attempt to reassert legitimacy, Marcos called a snap presidential election in February 1986. The campaign was intense and deeply polarized. Aquino ran on a platform of restoring democracy, while Marcos relied on the machinery of the state to bolster his candidacy.
When official results declared Marcos the winner, widespread allegations of electoral fraud emerged. Independent observers and religious groups reported irregularities, including tampered ballots and intimidation.
Several computer technicians responsible for tallying votes walked out in protest, claiming the results were being manipulated.
The Catholic Church, a powerful institution in Filipino society, publicly questioned the credibility of the election outcome. Public frustration quickly transformed into collective action.
Four Days on EDSA
From 22 to 25 February, 1986, hundreds of thousands—eventually millions—of Filipinos gathered along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue in Manila.
The highway, commonly known as Epifanio de los Santos Avenue or EDSA, became the epicenter of what would be called the People Power Revolution.
The protests began after key military leaders, including Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and Armed Forces Vice Chief Fidel Ramos, withdrew their support from Marcos.
Fearing arrest, they barricaded themselves in military camps along EDSA. In response, Cardinal Jaime Sin called on citizens via radio to protect the defecting officers.
What followed was extraordinary. Unarmed civilians formed human barricades, offering food, flowers, and prayers to soldiers. Nuns knelt before tanks. Families camped on the streets.
Despite the high stakes and heavy military presence, the uprising remained largely peaceful. The sheer number of demonstrators made violent suppression increasingly difficult.
The Fall and Flight of Marcos
By 25 February, the regime’s grip on power had visibly weakened. Two separate inaugurations were held that day: Marcos was sworn in at Malacañang Palace, while Aquino took her oath as president before a jubilant crowd. International support began to shift decisively toward Aquino.
Under mounting pressure and with dwindling military loyalty, Marcos and his family fled the country with assistance from the United States. They were flown to exile in Hawaii, bringing an abrupt end to his 20-year rule.
The images of helicopters lifting off from the presidential palace became enduring symbols of a dictatorship’s collapse.
A Lasting Legacy of the People
The events of 25 February, 1986, restored democratic institutions in the Philippines and inspired similar movements around the world.
Corazon Aquino assumed the presidency and worked to draft a new constitution, which was ratified in 1987 and strengthened checks on executive power.
The People Power Revolution demonstrated that sustained, collective, and largely nonviolent action could dismantle authoritarian rule.
While the Philippines has continued to face political challenges in the decades since, the spirit of EDSA remains a defining chapter in its national identity.
On this day in 1986, ordinary citizens proved that courage and unity could overcome fear and repression. Their stand reshaped their nation’s trajectory and left a powerful reminder that even entrenched regimes can fall when people demand change.
