Remember those yellow ribbons? They fluttered everywhere. They symbolized hope and peaceful protest during the EDSA People Power Revolution. We are standing at the EDSA People Power Plaque. It commemorates those pivotal days from February 22 to 25 in 1986.
This EDSA People Power Plaque marks a key moment in Philippine history. It stands as a reminder of the People Power Revolution. It was a time when millions of Filipinos took to the streets. They peacefully protested against the Marcos dictatorship.
Ferdinand Marcos was first elected president in 1965. He initiated public works projects and intensified tax collections. But his second term was marred by allegations of corruption. Civil unrest grew. In 1972 Marcos declared martial law. He justified it by citing increasing unrest. He dissolved Congress. Marcos shut down critical media outlets. Political opponents like Ninoy Aquino were arrested.
Ninoy Aquino’s assassination in 1983 was a turning point. It shocked Filipinos. People lost confidence in Marcos. This event triggered widespread civil disobedience. The economy collapsed in the 1980s. This further fueled the opposition.
In 1986 Marcos called a snap election. The official results declared him the winner. But there were widespread reports of fraud. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines condemned the elections. Cardinal Ricardo Vidal declared a moral obligation to correct the evil inflicted on the people.
Corazon Aquino called for civil disobedience. People boycotted Marcos-related businesses. A military coup was planned. Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and Fidel V. Ramos withdrew their support for Marcos. Cardinal Sin appealed to Filipinos to support the rebel leaders. Millions responded. They gathered on EDSA.
People from all walks of life came to EDSA. Nuns and priests led prayer vigils. People set up barricades. They listened to Radio Veritas for updates. Government troops were stopped by the massive crowds. Soldiers refused to fire on civilians.
Helicopters defected to the rebel side. They landed in Camp Crame. This boosted the morale of the opposition. Despite rumors of Marcos’s departure he appeared on television. He declared he would not step down.
Rebel soldiers captured MBS-4. It was the government-controlled TV station. The station went back on the air. It served the people. Other officers defected. The majority of the Armed Forces changed sides.
On February 25 1986 Corazon Aquino was inaugurated as President. It was held at Club Filipino. Marcos held his own inauguration at Malacañang Palace. But his support was dwindling.
Marcos contacted United States Senator Paul Laxalt. He asked for advice. Laxalt told him to cut and cut cleanly. The Marcos family fled to Hawaii. Filipinos rejoiced. They danced in the streets.
The EDSA People Power Revolution inspired similar movements worldwide. It demonstrated the power of peaceful protest. It led to the restoration of democracy in the Philippines.
The EDSA People Power Plaque stands here as a reminder. It reminds us of the courage and unity of the Filipino people. It commemorates their fight for freedom and democracy. This plaque is more than just a marker. It is a symbol of hope and change.