People Power Revolution

Setting the scene

The People Power Revolution occurred February 22-25, 1986, in the Philippines, when millions of Filipinos peacefully overthrew dictator Ferdinand Marcos after 20 years in power. The revolution was triggered by the assassination of opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr. in 1983 and fraudulent elections on February 7, 1986, which Marcos claimed to win against Corazon Aquino, Benigno's widow.

What happened

On February 22, Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and General Fidel Ramos defected, barricading themselves in Camp Crame. Cardinal Jaime Sin called on Filipinos to protect them via Radio Veritas. Over two million people flooded Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), forming human barricades, offering food to soldiers, and praying. Marines ordered to attack refused to fire on civilians. The U.S., Marcos's longtime backer, withdrew support.

Why it still matters

On February 25, Marcos fled to Hawaii aboard a U.S. plane, and Corazon Aquino was sworn in as president. The revolution was remarkably peaceful—no one died at EDSA. It inspired nonviolent movements worldwide and demonstrated that people power could defeat dictatorship. The revolution restored democracy to the Philippines and created a model for peaceful regime change. February 25 is now a national holiday in the Philippines, celebrating the triumph of democracy over authoritarianism.

Background

Corazon Aquino became president.