How to Observe EDSA Revolution Anniversary 2023

In February 1986, a series of popular demonstrations took place in the Philippines, mostly in Metro Manila, known as the People Power Revolution, the EDSA Revolution, or as the February Revolution. In response to regime violence and electoral fraud, there was a continuing campaign of civil resistance and a peaceful revolution. After 20 years of dictatorship, Ferdinand Marcos left the Philippine islands after the nonviolent Philippine revolution, which ended his 20-year rule and restored democracy to the country.

As a symbol of protest after the assassination of Filipino senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. in August 1983, it is also called the Yellow Revolution because of the presence of yellow ribbons during demonstrations (in reference to Tony Orlando and Dawn's song "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree"). This revolution made news headlines as the "revolution that surprised the world" after the people defeated President Marcos for two decades.

On this day, we celebrate the EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary, which commemorates the day that democracy was restored in the Philippines. While some attempts have been made to revise history, the name Marcos remains synonymous with corruption to this day.

Even though it's a national holiday observed every year in the Philippines on February 25th, most businesses like Lumina Homes, a credible residential developer here in the Philippines, are open. Our Lumina offices are still open for site viewing or reservation so rest assured that you can still take a step closer to your future home investment. You can get access to an affordable house and lot unit in over 50 key locations strategically spread out across the country. Hence, if you're on the hunt for an affordable house and lot for sale, we. at Lumina Homes got your needs covered.

How Do Filipinos Celebrate the People Power Revolution?

In 1986, LABAN, the rival political party that challenged the government, wore yellow as the official color for the People Power Anniversary. In Manila, among the major public streets where people flock to visit, Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) is the scene of many festivities and activities. In addition to church masses, concerts are also part of the activities.

A LABAN (fight) sign is also commonly used, which is formed by using the index and middle fingers to form an "L" sign. During the event, media stations broadcast live feeds of street celebrations, documentaries about the revolution, and interviews with prominent political leaders and celebrities. Stories about this event are covered in the print media as news and feature articles as well.

3 Ways How to Observe the EDSA Revolution Anniversary

1. Participate in a democratic protest near you.

The EDSA Revolution Anniversary might be the ideal time to attend democratic protests near your home. It's a great way to celebrate EDSA's spirit.

2. Make sure you are familiar with your democratic rights.

It is important to remember your democratic rights on occasions such as the EDSA Revolution Anniversary. Become familiar with your rights as a citizen by doing a quick online search or reading the constitution of your country.

3. Make sure everyone knows about it.

At some point, the EDSA Revolution was relatively unknown outside of the Philippines. You may have international friends who haven't heard of this historic event. Use social media on EDSA Revolution Day to let people know about this remarkable revolution and its impact on modern history.

A Quick Timeline of this Historical Revisionism

Declaration of Martial Law

Due to the 1969 Philippine balance of payments crisis, Marcos was barred from running for a third term as president in 1973, so he announced the Proclamation No. 1081 on September 23, 1972.

The Economic Collapse of the 1980s

Due to the Marcos family's heavy reliance on debt since the 1960s, the Reagan administration forced the Marcos administration to raise interest rates when the US economy collapsed in the third quarter of 1981. By the time of Benigno Aquino Jr.'s assassination in 1983, the Philippine government was further in debt and the economy had begun to decline. There was a 6.8% contraction in the economy by year's end.

Combined with political instability, the Philippine economy contracted by 7.3% for two consecutive years in 1984 and 1985, the worst recession in Philippine history.

The Assassination of Aquino

In 1983, as Aquino was disembarking from an airplane at Manila International Airport (which was later renamed after him), he was executed by the military.

The need for meaningful elections

To be prepared for any contingencies or sudden announcements of changes, the top leaders convened to select a candidate. To legitimize his control over the country, Marcos announced a snap presidential election on November 3, 1985, one year ahead of the regular presidential election schedule, following pressure from the US government.

The Election of 1986

On February 7, 1986, the election was held. In the official election canvassing, Marcos was declared the winner by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). However, a poll watcher accredited by the National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) predicted Aquino would beat Marcos in 70% of precincts.

Declaratory Statement by Vidal

As part of the Philippine Church hierarchy, Cardinal Ricardo Vidal issued a statement on February 13 stating that when a government refuses to freely correct the evil it has inflicted upon its citizens, it is our moral obligation as a people to force it to do so.

An aborted Military Coup (February 22)

The Reform the Armed Forces Movement (also known as RAM) was formed in by officers disgruntled with the patronage politics and corruption in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) after the election and the revelation of irregularities in 1982 - launched a coup attempt against Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos following the revelations of irregularities in the election.

The Appeal of Cardinal Sin (February 22)

Immediately following Cardinal Vidal's February 13 condemnation of the snap election's fraudulent results, Cardinal Sin appeared on Radio Veritas and urged Filipinos to help rebel leaders by providing emotional support, food, and supplies along EDSA between Camp Crame and Aguinaldo. A dispersal by government troops seemed unwise to many since civilians would not have a chance to defend themselves. Despite the fear, many people, especially priests, and nuns, still trooped to join mass peaceful protests.

Support Growing Among the Masses (February 23)

In the early hours of Sunday, the government troops knocked down the main transmitter of Radio Veritas. This cut off broadcasts in the surrounding provinces. With a limited range of broadcasts, the station switched to a standby transmitter of 10 kilowatts.

Sotelo's Landing (February 24)

The Philippine Air Force's 15th Strike Wing, spearheaded by Colonel Antonio Sotelo, was ordered to move helicopters from Sangley Point in Cavite, south of Manila, to Camp Crame in the early morning hours of February 24. In conclusion of what has been called "the Sotelo landing," where the military circumstances turned against Marcos, the squadron defected and landed inside Camp Crame instead of attacking it, with crowds cheering and hugging the pilots and crew members.

Marcos's Departure Rumor (February 24)

At around 6:30, June Keithley received reports that Marcos had left Palace and broadcast this to the people at EDSA. The crowd celebrated and even Ramos and Enrile came out from Crame to appear to the crowds.

Rumors of Marcos' departure (February 24)

EDSA residents were informed at around 6:30 that Marcos left Malacañang Palace. Ramos and Enrile appeared to the crowd from Crame as the crowd celebrated.

Refusal of the "Kill Order" by the Fourth Marine Brigade (February 24).

Tear gas was lobbed at the demonstrators by Marines marching from Libis to the east of Camp Aguinaldo at dawn on Monday, February 24. The Fourth Marine Brigade under Colonel Braulio Balbas positioned howitzers and mortars to strike Camp Crame by 8:30 a.m. Approximately 3,000 Marines entered and held the east side of Camp Aguinaldo.

The TV appearance of Marcos on MBS 4 (24 February)

Marcos declared on television around 9:00 at the government-controlled MBS-4 that he would not step down after the rumor that he had fled. The jubilation that followed was short-lived, as Marcos appeared on television on the government-controlled MBS-4 channel.

MBS-4 Captured (February 24)

At about 9:50 a.m., the radio station went off the air during Marcos' broadcast. The station had been seized by rebels under the command of Colonel Mariano Santiago. On live television, Orly Punzalan announced that MBS-4 was once again on the air to serve the people. The crowd at EDSA had grown to over a million by this time, with some estimates placing it as high as two million.

Further Defections and an Attack on Villamor Airbase (February 24)

Late on February 24, helicopters from the 15th Strike Wing, commanded by Sotelo, destroyed aircraft belonging to the presidential administration at Villamor Airbase. A radio message from Sotelo had directed the pilots and crews of the air assets to stay away from the aircraft. Human casualties were avoided due to the disablement of the assets. There was also a rocket fired by another helicopter from Sotelo on the Malacañang palace grounds, causing minor damage.

Corazon Aquino's inauguration

During her inauguration on February 25, 1986, at Sampaguita Hall (Now Kalayaan Hall), Corazon Aquino became the 11th president of the Philippines.

The departure of Marcos (February 26)

It was not long before Marcos and his family were preparing to flee the country, despite holding an inauguration. In the early morning hours of Tuesday morning, Marcos phoned United States, Senator Paul Laxalt, asking for advice from the White House.

Indeed, this series of historical revolutions and events have shown how powerful people can be to unite against forces. Let's take a moment to celebrate and commemorate the bravery of the Filipinos. Revolutions are usually associated with violence and bloodshed, but the Filipino people took a different approach. Their fight for change was waged without weapons and military might.

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