Summary
Highlights
Ferdinand Marcos ruled the Philippines for nearly 20 years. Initially, his governance was orderly, but over time, his power became more stringent. On September 21, 1972, he declared martial law, leading to widespread fear, arrests, torture, and suppression of dissent.
In 1983, opposition leader Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino Jr. returned to the country but was tragically shot before he could even exit the airplane. This event sparked widespread anger and awakened a strong desire for change among Filipinos.
In 1986, Marcos called for a snap election to prove his public support. Corazon 'Cory' Aquino, Ninoy's wife, ran against him. The election was marred by blatant fraud, which was exposed when 35 computer programmers walked out in protest of the manipulation of votes.
The tide turned when high-ranking military officials Juan Ponce Enrile and Fidel Ramos defected from the government, barricading themselves in Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame. Cardinal Jaime Sin, a powerful voice of the church, called upon the people to support them, leading to millions marching to EDSA.
Millions of Filipinos, including students, parents, nuns, priests, and drivers, gathered at EDSA, armed only with rosaries, candles, and food. They faced soldiers and tanks with smiles, flowers, and prayers, transforming what could have been a violent conflict into a peaceful gathering. Some soldiers eventually sided with the people.
On February 25, 1986, Cory Aquino was sworn in as the new president. Marcos, attempting to retain power, was ultimately compelled by the United States to leave the country. The Marcos family departed for Hawaii, marking the end of the dictatorship and the peaceful restoration of democracy and the people's voice in the Philippines, inspiring the world.