The 1985 People Power
Revolution: A peaceful
uprising that restored
Philippine democracy
GROUP MEMBERS
Pagapong, Joseph Lawrence N.
Panis. Kitchie E.
Prantilla, Kym F.
Quinones, Justhyl J.
A Marcos Regime: A History of
Oppression
Ferdinand Marcos ruled the Philippines for
over two decades, starting in 1965. His rule
was marked by authoritarianism, human
rights violation, and corruption.
In 1972, Marcos declared Martial Law,
suspending civil liberties and democratic
processes. This allowed him to rule with
absolute power suppressing dissent and
silencing critics.
The Marcos regime was also characterized
by widespread corruption and cronyism,
leading to economic decline and increasing
national dept.
The Assassination of Ninoy
Aquino: A Turning Point
Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., a former
senator, became a leading critic of
Marcos. Imprisoned for years and later
exiled to the U.S., Ninoy remained a
symbol of hope and resistance for
Filipinos.
On August 21, 1983, upon returning from
exile, Ninoy Aquino was assassinated at
the Manila International Airport. His
murder triggered national outrage and
unified a fractured opposition.
T HE A G RA VA FA CT F I ND I NG B O AR D
Created in October 1983 by Presidential Decree
No. 1886.
Composed of:
Justice Corazon G. Agrava (representing the
judiciary and the women sector)
Hon. Amado C. Dizon (representing
education)
Hon. Ernesto Herrera (representing labor)
Hon. Dante Santos (representing business)
Hon. Luciano Salazar (representing the bar, as
well as the professional sector)
IMPACT S OF NINOY AQ UI NO’ S DEAT H
01 02 03
Greater unity among International
Massive protests and
opposition groups condemnation of
civil disobedience
Marco’s regime
2020 | DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY
THE 1986 SNAP ELECTIONS: A FLAWED PROCEES
Pressed by domestic and
international pressure, Marcos
called a snap election for February
7, 1986. Corazon “Cory” Aquino,
Ninoy’s widow, emerged as the
opposition candidate, symbolizing
the people's desire for change
Massive cheating was observed:
Vote rigging, intimidation, and
manipulation occurred.
Computer operators at the election
center walked out in protest.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference
declared the elections fraudulent
T HE D EFECT ION OF ENRI L E AND R AMO S
February 22, 1986
-Defense Minister Juan Ponce
Enrile and General Fidel V. Ramos
withdrew their support from
Marcos. Fearing arrest, they
barricaded themselves in military
camps and called for civilian
protection.
CARD I NA L S IN’ S CAL L TO ACTI ON
Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, a
respected religious leader in the
Philippines, played a crucial role
in mobilizing public support for
Enrile and Ramos.
On February 22, 1986, Sin
delivered a powerful radio
address urging Filipinos to gather
at EDSA in a peaceful
demonstration of solidarity.
The People Power Revolution: A
Peaceful Uprising
From February 22 to 25, millions of
civilians flocked to EDSA:
They faced tanks with prayers,
flowers, and songs.
Families brought food to
protesters and soldiers alike.
The spirit of peace and
solidarity prevailed.
Soldiers refused orders to
attack civilians, showing that
the armed forces themselves
were turning against Marcos'
regime.
VICTORY OF THE PEOPLE
On February 25, 1986:
Marcos and his family fled the country for
exile in Hawaii.
Corazon Aquino was sworn in as the 11th
President of the Philippines.
The dictatorship was peacefully overthrown.
President Aquino's "Freedom Constitution"
After the 1986 EDSA People Power
Revolution, President Corazon Aquino issued
Proclamation No. 3 on March 25, 1986,
declaring a constitutional government and
establishing a provisional charter called the
"Freedom Constitution."
LEGACY OF THE PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTON
The revolution inspired nonviolent movements around
the world. It proved that mass civilian action,
grounded in faith and courage, could dismantle a
dictatorship without resorting to violence.
