The assumption of the Philippine Presidency by Corazon Aquino in February 1986 stands as one of the most pivotal moments in the nation’s history. It marked the peaceful culmination of the EDSA People Power Revolution, an unprecedented display of civilian and military defiance that effectively ended the two-decade rule of Ferdinand Marcos and signaled the potential Restoration of democracy in the Philippines. This transition was not merely a change of leadership; it was a profound societal upheaval, born from years of discontent under Martial Law Philippines, economic hardship, and human rights abuses. Understanding how Corazon Aquino came to power requires delving into the complex tapestry of events that preceded it, from the simmering opposition to the dramatic standoff on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA). This article will explore the context of the Marcos regime, the catalyst of the Ninoy Aquino assassination, the disputed Snap Election 1986, the four days of People Power, and the subsequent challenges and triumphs as Aquino navigated the Post-Marcos era, establishing the foundation for a new democratic order under the 1987 Philippine Constitution. The moment Corazon Aquino Assumes Philippine Presidency resonates deeply within the Filipino national consciousness, celebrated annually during the People Power Revolution anniversary.
The Precursors to People Power: Living Under the Marcos Regime
For over two decades, the Philippines was dominated by the figure of Ferdinand Marcos. His rule, initially elected in 1965, took a dramatic turn in 1972 when he declared Martial Law Philippines. Ostensibly implemented to quell rising insurgency and chaos, Martial Law effectively consolidated Marcos’s power, leading to the abolition of Congress, the suppression of dissent, and the imprisonment of political opponents, including prominent senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. While Marcos initially oversaw infrastructure projects and attempted economic reforms, his rule became increasingly characterized by authoritarianism, cronyism, and widespread corruption. The suppression of civil liberties was pervasive, and human rights abuses were rampant, creating a climate of fear and stifling political opposition.
The Long Shadow of Martial Law
The declaration of Martial Law fundamentally altered the political landscape. Constitutional rights were suspended, and the military’s power expanded significantly. Marcos ruled by decree, dissolving democratic institutions and establishing a one-man rule. Critics were silenced, and a culture of impunity took root. This period saw the rise of powerful cronies who benefited immensely from their proximity to the presidential palace, further exacerbating economic inequalities. While some initial stability was achieved, the long-term effects of suppressing political freedoms and concentrating wealth were detrimental to the nation’s health.
The Assassination of Ninoy Aquino
A pivotal moment that galvanized the opposition occurred on August 21, 1983. After years of exile in the United States, Ninoy Aquino, the charismatic leader of the opposition and husband of Corazon Aquino, decided to return to the Philippines despite warnings of danger. He was shot and killed on the tarmac of the Manila International Airport upon his arrival. The government blamed a lone gunman, but widespread public suspicion pointed towards the Marcos regime. The brazenness of the assassination shocked the nation and the international community, transforming Ninoy Aquino into a martyr for democracy. The outpouring of grief and anger that followed his death ignited a dormant anti-Marcos sentiment across different sectors of society.
Mounting Opposition and Economic Woes
Following Ninoy’s assassination, the opposition movement gained momentum and broadened its base. What was once primarily a political struggle led by a few figures transformed into a nationwide movement involving students, professionals, religious groups, and the middle class. Peaceful protests and demonstrations became more frequent. Concurrently, the Philippine economy was in crisis, burdened by massive foreign debt, high inflation, and capital flight fueled by political instability and corruption. This economic distress deepened public dissatisfaction with the Marcos government, adding another layer of grievance to the political repression. The combination of political oppression, human rights violations, and economic hardship created a volatile environment ripe for change. The Agrava Commission, formed to investigate the Ninoy Aquino assassination, while its findings were initially disputed, further fueled public distrust in the government’s narrative.
The Call for Change: The 1986 Snap Election
Facing mounting domestic pressure and international scrutiny, and perhaps underestimating the strength of the unified opposition, President Ferdinand Marcos made a calculated gamble. In November 1985, during an interview on American television, he announced his intention to hold a snap presidential election, more than a year ahead of schedule. This move was likely intended to legitimize his continued rule and demonstrate his popular support, both domestically and internationally.
The Challenger Emerges: Cory Aquino’s Candidacy
The snap election presented the fragmented opposition with a challenge: finding a single candidate who could unite their ranks and credibly challenge Marcos. The public outcry and the groundswell of support for a genuine alternative converged on Corazon Aquino. Initially reluctant, a million signatures were gathered urging her to run. As the widow of the revered Ninoy Aquino, she possessed immense moral authority and symbolized the opposite of the entrenched, authoritarian regime. She became the standard-bearer for the opposition, forming the Aquino-Laurel tandem with Salvador “Doy” Laurel as her running mate. Her campaign, often characterized by its simplicity, sincerity, and focus on morality and democracy, resonated deeply with a population weary of Marcos’s elaborate political machinery.
A Disputed Result
The Snap Election 1986 was held on February 7, 1986. It was marred by widespread allegations of fraud, vote-buying, intimidation, and manipulation of election results. The official election body, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), produced results that showed Marcos winning. However, the National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), a citizen’s watchdog group, conducted a parallel quick count based on precinct results and showed Corazon Aquino leading significantly.
The discrepancy between the COMELEC and NAMFREL counts fueled outrage and solidified the public’s perception that the election was rigged. Adding to the drama, COMELEC computer technicians walked out mid-count, risking their safety to expose the alleged manipulation of data in favor of Marcos. This act of defiance further eroded the credibility of the official results and intensified the calls for Marcos to step down.
Here’s a simplified comparison of the reported results:
| Entity | Candidate | Reported Votes |
|---|---|---|
| COMELEC | Ferdinand Marcos | ~15.3 million |
| COMELEC | Corazon Aquino | ~14.5 million |
| NAMFREL | Corazon Aquino | ~7.8 million |
| NAMFREL | Ferdinand Marcos | ~7.0 million |
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Note: The exact numbers reported varied slightly, but the trend showed Marcos winning in the official COMELEC count and Aquino winning significantly in the NAMFREL parallel count.
The Batasang Pambansa (National Assembly), dominated by Marcos’s party, eventually proclaimed Marcos the winner, ignoring the widespread protests and evidence of fraud. This declaration was seen by many as the final straw, pushing the nation to the brink.
The EDSA People Power Revolution
The fraudulent election results and the subsequent proclamation of Marcos as the winner ignited the spark that led to the EDSA People Power Revolution. The events unfolded rapidly over four dramatic days, from February 22 to February 25, 1986.
Defection and the Birth of People Power
The revolution began with a stunning defection. On February 22, Minister of National Defense Juan Ponce Enrile and Philippine Constabulary Chief Fidel V. Ramos announced their withdrawal of support for President Marcos, citing the election fraud and demanding his resignation. They barricaded themselves inside Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo along EDSA, fearing arrest. This act of defiance from key military figures was a critical turning point.
Millions on EDSA
In response to Enrile and Ramos’s call for support and fueled by the frustration over the election results, hundreds of thousands, and eventually millions, of Filipino civilians converged on ED EDSA, surrounding the camps. The call for people power spread through radio broadcasts, word of mouth, and the network of concerned citizens established during the election. Ordinary Filipinos, from all walks of life, gathered peacefully, offering food, water, and moral support to the defecting soldiers. Nuns knelt in prayer in front of tanks, women offered flowers to soldiers, and people linked arms to block the path of military forces loyal to Marcos.
The Role of the Church and Military
The Catholic Church, through the influential Cardinal Jaime Sin, played a crucial role in mobilizing people to go to EDSA, broadcasting appeals over Radio Veritas. This gave the movement moral legitimacy and encouraged widespread participation. While some military units remained loyal to Marcos, a growing number of soldiers and officers, inspired by the people’s peaceful resolve and the actions of Enrile and Ramos, refused to follow orders to disperse the crowds or attack the camps. The refusal of the military to fire on its own people, coupled with the sheer number of unarmed civilians acting as a human shield, rendered Marcos’s military might ineffective.
Two Presidents Claiming Victory
As the standoff on EDSA intensified, the political crisis reached its peak. Marcos, despite the widespread defection and the massive public demonstration against him, remained defiant and insisted on his legitimacy based on the COMELEC results and the Batasang Pambansa proclamation.
Cory Aquino’s Swearing-In
Amidst the unfolding revolution and the clear repudiation of Marcos’s claim by the Filipino people, Corazon Aquino held her own inauguration. On February 25, 1986, in a simple ceremony at Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan, she was sworn in as the seventh President of the Philippines by Supreme Court Associate Justice Claudio Teehankee. Standing by her side was her running mate, Salvador Laurel, who was sworn in as Vice President. This act symbolized the will of the people as expressed through the NAMFREL count and the People Power demonstration.
Marcos’ Last Stand
Hours later, on the same day, Ferdinand Marcos held his own hurried inauguration ceremony within the confines of Malacañang Palace. Surrounded by remaining loyalists and his family, he was sworn in for what he claimed was another term. This created an unprecedented situation: two individuals simultaneously claiming the Philippine Presidency, each based on a different interpretation of legitimacy – one on the official but widely discredited election results, the other on the popular mandate demonstrated by the EDSA People Power Revolution and the alternative election count.
The Peaceful Transition of Power
The dual inaugurations highlighted the constitutional crisis, but the reality on the ground had shifted decisively. With the military largely defecting or neutral and millions of people surrounding Malacañang Palace, Marcos’s position became untenable.
Departure of the Marcoses
Facing overwhelming pressure from within the Philippines and internationally (including a strong urging from the United States government), Ferdinand Marcos finally conceded. In the late evening of February 25, 1986, he and his family, along with a small entourage, were airlifted out of Malacañang Palace by U.S. helicopters. They were flown to Clark Air Base and eventually taken to Hawaii, ending 20 years of rule.
The Transfer of Authority
With Marcos’s departure, the path was cleared for Corazon Aquino to formally assume the powers of the Philippine Presidency. Her assumption was not through a conventional transfer of power but was born out of a popular uprising that invalidated the previous regime’s claim to legitimacy. The peaceful departure of Marcos prevented further bloodshed and allowed for a relatively smooth transition, albeit one fraught with challenges. The international community quickly recognized the new government under President Aquino, acknowledging the democratic will expressed by the Filipino people. The moment Corazon Aquino Assumes Philippine Presidency became the symbol of the triumph of people power over authoritarian rule.
The Challenges and Triumphs of the Aquino Presidency
Assuming the presidency after two decades of authoritarian rule was an immense task. Corazon Aquino inherited a nation deeply divided, facing economic ruin, institutional decay, and the lingering threat of destabilization from both Marcos loyalists and insurgent groups. Her presidency, from 1986 to 1992, was a period of transition and rebuilding, marked by both significant achievements and considerable challenges.
Restoring Democratic Institutions
One of the primary tasks of the Post-Marcos era was the dismantling of the authoritarian structures established by Marcos and the Restoration of democracy. Aquino immediately moved to create a provisional “Freedom Constitution” to serve as a temporary framework. She then appointed a Constitutional Commission 1986 composed of diverse individuals from various sectors to draft a new fundamental law of the land. This process was widely consultative and aimed to prevent the abuses of power seen under Marcos. The resulting 1987 Philippine Constitution, ratified by a landslide vote in February 1987, re-established democratic institutions, including a bicameral legislature, an independent judiciary, and robust checks and balances. It also enshrined human rights provisions and limited the powers of the presidency.
Navigating Political Instability
Despite the triumph of People Power, the Aquino government faced numerous threats to its stability. Marcos loyalists and factions within the military launched several coup attempts throughout her term, seeking to overthrow her government and restore the old order. These attempts, though ultimately unsuccessful, highlighted the fragility of the newly restored democracy and required significant effort to quell. The most serious coup attempt occurred in December 1989, involving large numbers of troops and resulting in significant casualties.
Economic and Social Reforms
Economically, the Aquino administration inherited a bankrupt economy burdened by massive debt. Efforts were made to stabilize the economy, reschedule foreign debts, and attract foreign investment. The focus was also placed on dismantling Marcos-era monopolies and promoting a more open market. Socially, land reform remained a contentious issue. The Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) was enacted, aiming to redistribute agricultural lands to farmers, though its implementation faced numerous hurdles and criticisms regarding its effectiveness and pace. Addressing poverty and inequality, deeply entrenched during the previous regime, remained a persistent challenge.
The Legacy of Corazon Aquino’s Assumption
The moment Corazon Aquino Assumes Philippine Presidency is more than just a historical event; it is a powerful symbol. It represents the non-violent overthrow of a dictator through the collective action of a determined people. The EDSA People Power Revolution demonstrated the potential of civilian resistance and became an inspiration for democratic movements around the world.
Corazon Aquino’s presidency laid the groundwork for the Restoration of democracy in the Philippines. She oversaw the drafting and ratification of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which remains the fundamental law of the land and a safeguard against the return of authoritarianism. She re-established democratic institutions, including a free press and an independent judiciary, which had been suppressed under Marcos. Her moral authority and unwavering commitment to democratic principles were crucial in navigating the turbulent Post-Marcos era.
While her administration faced criticisms regarding its handling of economic issues, insurgency, and political instability, the fact remains that she successfully steered the Philippines back towards a democratic path. The peaceful transition of power in 1986 is a source of national pride and a testament to the Filipino people’s desire for freedom and self-determination. The People Power Revolution anniversary is celebrated annually as a reminder of this historic triumph and the ongoing need to protect and strengthen Philippine democracy. The legacy of the Corazon Aquino Assumes Philippine Presidency moment is the enduring belief in the power of ordinary citizens to effect change and the possibility of peaceful revolution.
Key Takeaways:
- The assumption of the Philippine Presidency by Corazon Aquino in February 1986 marked the end of the two-decade Marcos regime.
- This transition was the result of the EDSA People Power Revolution, a non-violent uprising fueled by public discontent over Martial Law Philippines, economic hardship, and the Ninoy Aquino assassination.
- The Snap Election 1986 was widely seen as fraudulent, with discrepancies between official COMELEC results and the citizen-led NAMFREL count.
- The defection of Juan Ponce Enrile and Fidel V. Ramos triggered the People Power mobilization on EDSA.
- Corazon Aquino was sworn in as President at Club Filipino, while Ferdinand Marcos held a separate inauguration in Malacañang, creating a brief constitutional crisis.
- Marcos and his family departed the Philippines peacefully on February 25, 1986, paving the way for Aquino to assume full authority.
- The Aquino presidency focused on the Restoration of democracy, leading to the drafting of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and the re-establishment of democratic institutions.
- The Post-Marcos era under Aquino was marked by challenges including economic issues and multiple coup attempts.
- The EDSA People Power Revolution and Corazon Aquino Assumes Philippine Presidency moment is a significant symbol of peaceful change and the power of the people in Philippine democracy, commemorated annually during the People Power Revolution anniversary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: What were the main causes of the EDSA People Power Revolution? A: The revolution was caused by a combination of factors including two decades of authoritarian rule under Martial Law Philippines, widespread human rights abuses, rampant corruption and cronyism under the Marcos regime, a severe economic crisis, the galvanizing event of the Ninoy Aquino assassination, and the widely perceived fraudulent results of the Snap Election 1986.
Q: How did the Snap Election 1986 lead to the revolution? A: President Ferdinand Marcos called for a snap election to legitimize his rule. However, the election was marred by massive fraud allegations. The discrepancy between the official COMELEC results favoring Marcos and the parallel count by the citizen’s group NAMFREL showing Corazon Aquino leading ignited public outrage and served as the immediate catalyst for people taking to the streets.
Q: Who were the key figures during the EDSA People Power Revolution besides Corazon Aquino? A: Besides Corazon Aquino, key figures included Minister of National Defense Juan Ponce Enrile and Philippine Constabulary Chief Fidel V. Ramos, whose defection initiated the standoff. Cardinal Jaime Sin played a crucial role in calling people to EDSA. Millions of ordinary Filipino citizens who participated in the peaceful demonstrations were the backbone of the “People Power”.
Q: What was the significance of Corazon Aquino’s inauguration at Club Filipino? A: Corazon Aquino’s inauguration at Club Filipino on February 25, 1986, was significant because it represented the swearing-in of the leader chosen by the people according to the NAMFREL count and validated by the EDSA People Power Revolution. It happened hours before Marcos held his own inauguration in Malacañang, highlighting the constitutional crisis but also asserting the legitimacy derived from the popular mandate.
Q: How did Ferdinand Marcos leave the Philippines? A: After the EDSA People Power Revolution had effectively neutralized his military support and with widespread calls for his resignation, Ferdinand Marcos and his family were airlifted out of Malacañang Palace by U.S. helicopters on the evening of February 25, 1986. They were taken to Hawaii, marking the end of his rule.
Q: What was the first major step taken by President Corazon Aquino to restore democracy? A: One of the very first steps was the creation of a provisional constitution and the subsequent formation of the Constitutional Commission 1986 to draft a new permanent Philippine Constitution. The ratification of the 1987 Philippine Constitution was a crucial milestone in the Restoration of democracy as it re-established democratic institutions, checks and balances, and human rights protections, effectively dismantling the legal framework of Martial Law Philippines.
Q: Why is the EDSA People Power Revolution celebrated every year? A: The People Power Revolution anniversary, typically observed on February 25th, is celebrated annually to commemorate the historic non-violent uprising that restored democracy in the Philippines. It serves as a reminder of the power of collective action by ordinary citizens, the peaceful overthrow of an authoritarian regime, and the importance of protecting democratic freedoms in the Post-Marcos era.
Sources:
- Borthwick, Bruce. “Political Transition and the Nature of Dictatorship: The Philippine Example.” Third World Quarterly, vol. 10, no. 1, 1988, pp. 249-269.
- Celoza, Albert F. Ferdinand Marcos and the Philippines: The Political Economy of Authoritarianism. Praeger Publishers, 1997.
- Chapman, William. Inside the Philippine Revolution. W.W. Norton & Company, 1987.
- Crisostomo, Isabelo T. Cory: Profile of a President. Branden Books, 1987.
- Joaquin, Nick. The Aquinos of Tarlac: An Essay on History as Three Generations. Solar Publishing Corporation, 1983. (Provides context on the Aquino family)
- Jones, Gregg R. Red Revolution: Inside the Philippine Guerrilla Movement. Westview Press, 1989.
- McCoy, Alfred W. Closer Than Brothers: Manhood at the Philippine Military Academy. Yale University Press, 1999. (Discusses military dynamics relevant to the defection)
- Montes, Manuel F. “The Philippine Economy in 1985-86: Crisis and Response.” Third World Quarterly, vol. 8, no. 4, 1986, pp. 1163-1181.
- Schirmer, Daniel B., and Stephen Rosskamm Shalom, editors. The Philippines Reader: A History of Colonialism, Dictatorship, Revolution, and Resistance. South End Press, 1987. (Includes primary source documents and analyses)
- Thompson, Mark R. The Anti-Marcos Struggle: Personal and Political Histories. Yale University Press, 1995.
- The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/constitutions/the-1987-constitution-of-the-republic-of-the-philippines/
- Report of the Fact-Finding Board (Agrava Commission Report) on the Assassination of Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr. (Primary Source – access may vary)
- Various news archives and historical reports from major international news organizations covering the Snap Election 1986 and the EDSA People Power Revolution (e.g., Associated Press, New York Times, CNN).