EDSA Revolution

Introduction

The EDSA Revolution stands as a monumental chapter in Philippine history, marking a decisive moment of people power that shook the foundations of authoritarian rule. In February 1986, millions of Filipinos converged along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Manila, united in their determination to overthrow the oppressive regime of President Ferdinand Marcos. This peaceful uprising, fueled by years of political repression, economic hardship, and the assassination of opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr., showcased the collective strength and resilience of the Filipino people. Through mass protests, acts of civil disobedience, and the courage of defectors from the military, the revolution ultimately led to Marcos’s ouster and the restoration of democracy with the ascent of Corazon Aquino to the presidency. The EDSA Revolution remains a symbol of hope and resilience, inspiring similar movements for democracy around the world.

Causes of the Revolution

• Political Repression: Widespread political repression characterized the Marcos regime. The Marcos regime arrested, tortured, or killed opposition leaders, activists, and journalists. The Marcos regime created a climate of fear and intimidation by not tolerating political dissent.
• Human Rights Violations: The regime’s record on human rights was appalling, with reports of extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and torture. The period of martial law resulted in a significant violation of civil liberties and widespread impunity for state security forces.
• Economic Hardships: Despite initial economic growth under Marcos, the Philippines experienced economic decline in the 1980s. Rampant corruption, crony capitalism, and mismanagement led to high inflation, unemployment, and poverty rates. The gap between the rich and the poor widened, exacerbating social tensions.
• Assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr.: The assassination of opposition leader Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. in 1983 was a pivotal moment. His death galvanized opposition to the Marcos regime and sparked widespread protests, culminating in the EDSA Revolution.
• Election Fraud and Corruption: Allegations of fraud and manipulation marred the 1986 snap presidential elections called by Marcos. The regime’s efforts to rig the election results and maintain power further fueled discontent among the populace.
• Call for Democratic Reforms: Filipinos yearned for democratic reforms and an end to the authoritarian rule of Marcos. The opposition, led by Corazon Aquino, promised to restore democracy and uphold human rights, resonating with many Filipinos.
• Influence of the Catholic Church: During the Marcos regime, the Catholic Church played a crucial role in organizing resistance against the government. Cardinal Jaime Sin, the Archbishop of Manila, called on Filipinos to support the anti-Marcos movement, providing moral legitimacy to the revolution.
• International Pressure: The international community, including the United States and other Western countries, pressured Marcos to address human rights abuses and restore democracy. The regime’s isolation on the global stage further weakened its position.

Timeline of the EDSA Revolution

Date	Event
September 21, 1972	President Ferdinand Marcos declares martial law.
August 21, 1983	Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. is assassinated.
1984-1985	Growing unrest and calls for political reform.
November 3, 1985	Ferdinand Marcos announces snap elections.
February 7, 1986	Snap presidential elections held.
February 22, 1986	Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff Fidel Ramos announce their withdrawal of support for Marcos.
February 23, 1986	Millions of Filipinos gather at EDSA in support of the defection.
February 25, 1986	President Marcos flees Malacañang Palace, and Corazon Aquino is sworn in as president.
February 25-26,1986	Marcos supporters attempt a counter-coup, but it fails.
February 26, 1986	Marcos and his family flee to Hawaii.
February 27, 1986	Corazon Aquino assumes the presidency.
March 1986	Aquino begins the process of restoring democracy and pursuing justice for human rights abuses.

The People Power Revolution

• Mass Protests: Millions of Filipinos from various walks of life converged along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Manila to protest against the Marcos regime. The peaceful protests showed remarkable unity and determination among the Filipino people.
• Civil Disobedience: As the protests grew, Filipinos engaged in acts of civil disobedience, such as boycotts and strikes, to pressure the government to address their grievances. This nonviolent resistance was a key strategy of the revolution.
• Role of Various Sectors: The revolution involved a wide spectrum of society, including students, religious groups, business leaders, and the urban poor. This broad-based participation underscored the depth of opposition to the Marcos regime.
• Defections from the Military: One of the pivotal moments of the revolution was when Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff Fidel Ramos withdrew their support from Marcos. Their defection sparked a series of military defections, weakening Marcos’s grip on power.
• Role of Radio Veritas: Radio Veritas, a Catholic radio station, played an essential role in the revolution by disseminating news and mobilizing the public against the Marcos regime. Its broadcasts helped mobilize and coordinate protesters.
• International Solidarity: The People Power Revolution garnered international attention and support. Countries worldwide, including the United States, expressed solidarity with the Filipino people and called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
• Nonviolent Resolution: Despite fears of violence, the revolution remained largely peaceful. This commitment to nonviolence was instrumental in garnering widespread support and legitimacy for the movement.
• Downfall of the Marcos Regime: The culmination of the revolution was the departure of Ferdinand Marcos from the Philippines. With his regime crumbling and facing mounting pressure, Marcos and his family fled to Hawaii, ending his decades-long rule.
• Swearing-in of Corazon Aquino: Following Marcos’s departure, Corazon Aquino, the widow of Benigno Aquino Jr., was sworn in as the new president of the Philippines. Her inauguration began a new era of democracy in the country.

International Response

• United States: The United States, a key ally of the Philippines, closely monitored the events of the EDSA Revolution. While initially hesitant to withdraw support for Marcos, the U.S. eventually shifted its stance and called for a peaceful transition of power. President Ronald Reagan urged Marcos to “cut and cut cleanly” to avoid further violence.
• Catholic Church: The Catholic Church, mainly through the influential voice of Cardinal Jaime Sin, played a significant role in supporting the EDSA Revolution. The Church provided moral guidance and a sanctuary for protesters, and Cardinal Sin called on Filipinos to support the movement for change.
• United Nations: The United Nations monitored the situation in the Philippines and expressed concern over human rights abuses and electoral fraud reports. The UN Secretary-General at the time, Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis and respect for human rights.
• Other Countries: Various countries worldwide expressed solidarity with the Filipino people during the EDSA Revolution. Diplomatic missions in Manila closely followed the events and reported to their respective governments. Many countries welcomed the peaceful resolution of the crisis.
• Media Coverage: The international media extensively covered the EDSA Revolution, bringing the events in the Philippines to a global audience. News outlets reported on the mass protests, military defections, and eventual ouster of Marcos, highlighting the power of people’s movements.
• Diplomatic Pressure: Some countries, including the United States, exerted diplomatic pressure on Marcos to step down and allow for a peaceful transition of power. This pressure and growing unrest in the Philippines contributed to Marcos’s decision to leave the country.
• Recognition of Aquino Government: Following the EDSA Revolution, many countries recognized the legitimacy of the new Aquino government. Corazon Aquino’s administration received diplomatic recognition and support from various nations, solidifying her position as the new leader of the Philippines.
• Impact on Global Democracy Movements: The success of the EDSA Revolution had a ripple effect on other countries facing authoritarian regimes. It inspired similar movements for democracy and social change in other parts of the world, serving as a beacon of hope for oppressed peoples.

Media Coverage

• International Attention: The EDSA Revolution garnered widespread international media coverage, with news outlets worldwide reporting on the events unfolding in the Philippines. The peaceful nature of the revolution and the mass participation of the Filipino people captured the attention of the global audience.
• Television Coverage: Television played a crucial role in documenting the revolution, with live broadcasts of the protests and key moments at EDSA. Continuous coverage by international news networks like CNN and BBC brought the revolution into homes worldwide.
• Print Media: Newspapers and magazines covered the EDSA Revolution extensively, with front-page headlines and in-depth articles detailing the events. Widely circulated photos of the mass protests and Ferdinand Marcos’s departure created a powerful visual narrative of the revolution.
• Radio Broadcasting: Radio stations, particularly Radio Veritas, played a significant role in mobilizing and coordinating protesters. Radio broadcasts provided real-time updates on the situation at EDSA, rallying more people to join the movement.
• Impact of Media Coverage: The international media coverage of the EDSA Revolution profoundly impacted how the world viewed the Philippines. The peaceful overthrow of a dictator through people power inspired similar movements for democracy in other countries and showcased the power of nonviolent resistance.
• Role of Filipino Media: Filipino media outlets also played a crucial role in covering the revolution, with newspapers, radio stations, and television networks providing extensive coverage and supporting the call for change.
• Historical Documentation: The media coverage of the EDSA Revolution is a valuable historical record of the events that transpired. Photos, videos, and news reports from that time continue to be studied and referenced in understanding this pivotal moment in Philippine history.

Fallout and Aftermath

• Political Transition: The aftermath of the EDSA Revolution was marked by a period of political transition as the new Aquino government sought to establish its authority and legitimacy. The government faced challenges in consolidating power and implementing reforms.
• Challenges to the New Government: The Aquino administration faced challenges from various groups, including remnants of the Marcos regime, communist insurgents, and military factions. These challenges posed threats to the stability and security of the new government.
• Economic Reforms: The Aquino government implemented economic reforms to address the country’s economic challenges. These reforms aimed to promote economic growth, attract foreign investment, and alleviate poverty.
• Land Reform: One of the key initiatives of the Aquino administration was the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), which aimed to redistribute agricultural land to landless farmers. The implementation of CARP faced challenges and criticisms but was seen as a significant step towards addressing social inequality.
• Peace and Order: The Aquino administration also focused on restoring peace and order in the country. Authorities made efforts to address the insurgency and improve security, although progress was slow and setbacks occurred.
• Legacy of the Revolution: The EDSA Revolution left a lasting legacy in Philippine society. It inspired a renewed sense of democracy and freedom and served as a reminder of the power of people’s movements to bring about change. The revolution also led to a reevaluation of Philippine history and identity, with a greater emphasis on the values of democracy, freedom, and human rights.
• Criticism and Controversy: The EDSA Revolution faced criticism and controversy despite its achievements. Critics contend that the government’s response failed to adequately tackle the underlying issues of social inequality and political corruption in the Philippines. Others point to the challenges and setbacks that the country has faced in the years since the revolution as evidence of its limitations.

Reflections and Lessons Learned

• Power of Nonviolent Resistance: The EDSA Revolution demonstrated the power of nonviolent resistance in effecting political change. The peaceful protests and civil disobedience tactics employed by the Filipino people proved to be a potent force against a repressive regime.
• Strength in Unity: The revolution highlighted the strength that comes from unity. Filipinos from all walks of life came together in solidarity to demand change, showing that a united front can overcome even the most entrenched authoritarian rule.
• Importance of Leadership: The role of key leaders, such as Corazon Aquino, Juan Ponce Enrile, and Fidel Ramos, was crucial in mobilizing and guiding the movement. Their leadership and moral courage inspired others to join the cause, ultimately leading to the downfall of Ferdinand Marcos.
• Legacy of Democracy: The EDSA Revolution left a lasting legacy of democracy in the Philippines. It showed that democracy is not just a system of government but a living aspiration of the people, requiring constant vigilance and participation to sustain.
• Need for Good Governance: The revolution underscored the importance of good governance and accountability in government. The Marcos regime’s abuses and corruption demonstrated the dangers of unrestrained power.
• Continuing Struggle for Justice: The quest for justice and accountability for the human rights abuses and corruption of the Marcos era continues to this day. The revolution taught that fighting for justice is long, arduous, and requires unwavering commitment.
• Global Impact: The EDSA Revolution had a profound impact beyond the Philippines’ borders, inspiring similar movements for democracy and human rights worldwide. It showed that the desire for freedom and justice is universal and transcends cultural and geographical boundaries.
• Never Again: Perhaps the most enduring lesson of the EDSA Revolution is the Filipino people’s commitment to ensuring that they never repeat the abuses of the past. The cry of “Never Again” serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the responsibility to uphold the values of democracy and freedom.

Conclusion

The EDSA Revolution is a testament to ordinary people’s power to effect extraordinary change through nonviolent means. A moment of unity, courage, and resilience ended a dictatorship and inspired similar movements for democracy worldwide. The revolution’s legacy in the Philippines reminds us of the importance of democracy, good governance, and human rights. Reflecting on the events of EDSA reminds us of our shared responsibility to uphold these values and continue the fight for a more just and inclusive society for all.