The People’s Revolt: Breaking the Chains of Dictatorship

What happens when a nation has had enough? When silence is no longer an option, and fear gives way to defiance? In February 1986, the Philippines answered these questions through a revolution that would inspire the world—the People Power Revolution at EDSA. Some events should never be forgotten. The EDSA Revolution was not just a movement; it was a turning point that restored democracy and proved that the power of the people is stronger than any dictatorship. But decades later, as history is challenged and rewritten, will we still remember its true meaning?

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In 1986, after years of oppression and abuse of power under Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the Filipino people—outraged by the injustices of his regime, including the assassination of Ninoy Aquino—rose in defiance. From February 22 to 25, the People Power Revolution unfolded along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), leaving an indelible mark on Philippine history. Decades later, its significance endures as a reminder that democracy is a right that must be continuously defended. The Martial Law period under Marcos Sr. is often regarded as one of the darkest eras in Philippine history. During this time, the country witnessed widespread censorship, the imprisonment of opposition politicians, and the dissolution of parliament, as Marcos seized control of the judiciary (Evans, 2022).

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The EDSA People Power Revolution was more than a political movement—it was a collective outcry against tyranny and injustice. Ordinary citizens, armed only with prayers, flowers, and the dream of liberation, proved that true power rests with the people. In an era where historical narratives are being challenged and rewritten, remembering this revolution is crucial. It reinforces the need for vigilance, ensuring that those in power remain accountable and that freedom is never taken for granted.

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Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was elected president in 1965, addressing crime and corruption while bolstering infrastructure (New World Encyclopedia, 2024). However, after his reelection in 1969, growing dissent among student activists, including Edjop Jopson of the National Union of Students of the Philippines, signaled unrest (Bantayog ng Mga Bayani, 2023.). The demand for constitutional change and Marcos’ refusal to commit to non-reelection fueled tensions (Chua, 2025). On September 21, 1972, Marcos declared Martial Law through Proclamation No. 1081, citing threats from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) (Cullinane, Borloza, & Hernandez, 2024.). This led to widespread censorship, suppression of opposition, and economic decline. Amnesty International reported over 3,200 extrajudicial killings, 70,000 imprisonments, and 34,000 cases of torture during this period (Bicker, 2022).

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The EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986 was a peaceful uprising that ended Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s 20-year dictatorship and restored democracy. Fueled by electoral fraud, economic crisis, and human rights abuses, the revolution was the culmination of years of resistance. From February 22 to 25, millions of Filipinos took to the streets, armed only with prayers and courage, demanding change. Media played a crucial role, with Radio Veritas, print journalism, and underground broadcasts mobilizing the masses.

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Triggered by the fraudulent February 7 snap elections, the revolution gained momentum when Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and AFP Vice Chief Fidel Ramos defected from Marcos and sought refuge at Camp Aguinaldo. Radio Veritas amplified Jaime Cardinal Sin’s plea for Filipinos to protect the rebels, leading to an overwhelming response. Protesters formed human barricades, with nuns offering flowers to soldiers. On February 24, despite Marcos' attempts to suppress the media, Radyo Bandido and underground newspapers exposed military defections. The final blow came on February 25, when Cory Aquino was sworn in as president while Marcos staged his own failed inauguration. As his power crumbled, he was evacuated from Malacañang by nightfall.

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By 9:52 PM, Radio dzRH announced, “The Marcoses have fled the country,” marking a historic victory for nonviolent resistance. In just four days, unity and conviction toppled a dictatorship, proving that true power lies with the people. More than restoring democracy, EDSA remains a testament that tyranny thrives on silence—but a united people can bring it to its knees. Its lessons endure, reminding Filipinos that democracy requires vigilance, critical thought, and a steadfast commitment to justice.

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The number of protesters at EDSA grew rapidly within two days (Amnesty International, 2022). Calls for unity resonated through songs, prayers, slogans, and gestures of peace, as civilians offered flowers to soldiers (Clemente & Elloso, 2023). Despite orders to suppress the revolution, several military officers sided with the people, embodying the essence of “People Power” (Sanchez, 2021). On February 25, 1986, EDSA erupted in celebration as news spread that Marcos and his family had fled to Hawaii, marking the end of his dictatorship (Amnesty International, 2022).

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The EDSA Revolution ended Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s 21-year rule and ushered in Corazon Aquino as the first female president of the Philippines. Her leadership emphasized justice, ethics, and accountability, leading to the creation of a new constitution for transparent governance. Republic Act 6713, or the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees,” mandated integrity, patriotism, and the prioritization of public interest over personal gain (Republic of the Philippines, 1989, Section 2). This demonstrated that true change is achieved not through violence but through unity and nonviolent resistance. Countering oppression with force only perpetuates cycles of brutality, whereas peaceful movements empower people to challenge injustice and reclaim their rights. Nonviolence, often called the “politics of ordinary people” (United Nations, 2024), amplifies voices demanding change.

The legacy of EDSA endures as a testament to Filipinos’ determination to fight for democracy. It was not just about ousting a dictator but about reclaiming the power of the people. It is notlissa a one-time victory but a continuous struggle.

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Will we choose to remember and defend our hard-won freedom, or will we let history repeat itself?