The 1986 People Power
Revolution: A peaceful
uprising that restored
Philippine Democracy
GROUP MEMBERS
Pagapong, Joseph Laurence 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 debt.
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 FERNA ND O COMMI S S I ON
Formed on August 24,1983
Members:
Enrique Fernando - Chief Justice
Justice Roberto Conception - Former Cheif Justice (Refused the
appointment)
Retired Justices
Ruperto Martin
Guillermo Santos
Felix Antonio
-However the commission was dissolved because of public
disapproval and criticism.
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)
THE MAJORITY OPINION: REPORT OF THE FACT-FINDING BOARD CREATED
UNDER PD 1886
Two reports submitted, a minority opinion (Justice Agrava) and
a majority opinion (other 4 members). Both concluded the
assassination of Aquino was a military conspiracy
The majority report implicated key military figures, including
Chief of Staff Fabian Ver, in a cover-up
Evidence presented demostrated knowledge of Aquino’s travel
plans and active monitoring of his movements.
Discrepancies and inconsistencies in General Ver’s statements
and directives highlighted in the report.
The report rejected the government’s narrative of a lone
assassin Rolando Galman.
During the funeral of Senator
Benigno Aquino, Jr. , On August
31, 1986. The funeral procession
started at the Sto. Domingo
Church in Quezon City and took
about 11 to 12 hours to reach the
Manila Memorial Park in
Paranaque City. An estimated of
1 to 2 million Filipinos turned out
to join and witness the funeral
procession
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
Fraud & Irregularities
Government-funded partisan activities
Harrasment of voters/ poll watchers
Falsified certificate of canvas
COMELEC programmers walkout (PICC)
over manipulated tally results
KEY FINDINGS FROM THE US OBSERVER DELEGATION REPORT
KBL Dominance
Batasang Pambansa (KBL- controlled)
proclaimed Marcos/ Tolentino despite
UNIDO protests.
Defence Minister Enrile aadmitted
300,000 fake KBL votes.
Disenfranchisement
Oppsition- heavy areas (e.g., Metro
Manila) blocked votes.
Administration chaos (missing
precinct, long lines)
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.
Songs like “Bayan ko” and “Magkaisa”
became anthems for the movement,
expressing the people’s yearning for
freedom, justice, and a better future.
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.
Key Reforms in the 1987 Philippine Constitution Post-
EDSA Revolution
Constitutional Overhaul After Marcos
1. Executive Power Limits:
No reelection for Presidents (single 6-year term).
Strict martial law rules: 60-day limit, Congressional &
Supreme Court oversight.
2. Legislative Safeguards:
Bicameral Congress (Senate + House) with term limits.
Party-list system: 20% seats for marginalized sectors.
Key Reforms in the 1987 Philippine Constitution Post-
EDSA Revolution
3. Judicial & Anti-Corruption Measures:
Supreme Court can review martial law declarations.
Ombudsman Office: Investigates graft, protects
public trust.
4.Checks & Balances:
Impeachment for high officials (e.g., President, SC
Justices).
Congressional approval needed for key executive
actions
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
THANK YOU!
