World

Philippines: The 1986 People Power Revolution Celebrated

by francisrivera | February 22, 2009 at 03:04 pm

1944 views | 53 Recommendations | 14 comments

The country is currently celebrating the first People Powe r Revolution that overthrew a dictator.

The greed for power of the Marcos regime resulted in the declaration of "martial law", stumping on human rights laws. This act lead to one of the most successful and peaceful revolts in the world.

The commemoration day was attended by President Gloria Arroyo, and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile (a 2 decade absentee in the said day of celebration).

Ms Arroyo also expressed her gratitude to other members of the former Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM) who attended the affair, along with Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. The RAM played a key role in the 1986 revolt.

The country was witness not only to one "People Power", but three. The second, being the so called "EDSA II" (pronounced as EDSA Dos or EDSA 2) that brought down former President Joseph Estrada. This made the incumbent President take over the seat she has now.

The 1986 uprising restored democracy in the country with the assumption to power of Corazon Aquino.

Fifteen years later, it was the turn of then Vice President Arroyo to benefit from a repeat of EDSA. She took over from Joseph Estrada, who was forced out of office after being accused of enriching himself with money from “jueteng,” an illegal numbers game.

In her speech on Sunday, Ms Arroyo asked the public “not to relive” the four days of the first revolt but instead learn from it and “refresh our spirit against the new challenges of today.”

“The country honors all the Filipino people. Let us all go back to our work after this, living EDSA, living the boldness required to answer the challenges of the day.”

The protests, fueled by a resistance and opposition of years of corrupt governance by Marcos, occurred from February 22 to 25 in 1986.

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Jon Azpiri

at 15:16 on February 22nd, 2009

Thanks for the story. Hard to believe it's been 23 years.

francisrivera

at 15:19 on February 22nd, 2009

Thanks Jon! Yes, It has been more than 2 decades and I'm still overwhelmed by its story.

Amy Judd

at 15:24 on February 22nd, 2009

Thanks for this piece

francisrivera

at 15:29 on February 22nd, 2009

It's my pleasure doing it Ms. Amy. In fact, the very first article I wrote here was the man who became the inspiration and soul of this peaceful revolt, "Ninoy".

Amy Judd

at 15:48 on February 22nd, 2009

How cool!

Roy C

at 18:43 on February 22nd, 2009

It was an amazing event, the harbinger of many others, such as East Germany where all the people just went out one night and said the hell with it- they can't arrest us all and the Berlin Wall fell.

francisrivera

at 03:03 on February 23rd, 2009

Thanks for the comment Roy!

Paschen

at 20:16 on February 22nd, 2009

Excellent Post FrancisRivera. Thank you for posting this. Most have no idea about this event in the Philippines.

francisrivera

at 03:02 on February 23rd, 2009

Thanks Paschen!

aelusive

at 21:12 on February 22nd, 2009

Good story

Babel-Fish

at 22:57 on February 23rd, 2009

The country was witness not only to one "People Power", but three

Is this a hint there is another one due, lol

EDSA III?

You got me confused, lol

francisrivera

at 18:30 on February 24th, 2009

Yes, there was really an EDSA 3 (Edsa Tres).

This was just an act not recognized and if you go back, you will see that the now Senate President celebrating the 23rd 1st people power anniversary with the President, was the same Senator she ordered to be arrested for rebellion in "EDSA Tres" (a none sucessful campaign).

andyclerk@gmail.com

at 03:27 on March 7th, 2009

This is a memorable day for most Filipinos. During people power revolution, there are concerts, mass and more fun and excitement for everybody wo want to join,