Surviving Coup Attempts: Testing Aquino’s Presidency

The EDSA People Power Revolution of February 1986 was a watershed moment in Philippine history. It swept Corazon Aquino into power on a wave of popular euphoria, ending the decades-long authoritarian rule of Ferdinand Marcos and promising a restoration of democracy. However, the optimism of those early days soon collided with harsh realities. The newly established democratic institutions were fragile, the economy was battered, communist and separatist insurgencies raged, and deep divisions persisted within the very institution meant to protect the state: the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). It was within this turbulent context that the Aquino Presidency faced its most severe and persistent challenge: a series of destabilizing and often bloody coup attempts. These repeated assaults from factions within the military constituted a profound test of Aquino’s leadership, the resilience of Philippine Democracy, and the principle of Civilian Supremacy over the military. This article delves into the critical period of the Aquino Presidency coup attempts, exploring their causes, key events, major players, and lasting consequences. Understanding how Aquino’s government was surviving coup attempts is crucial to grasping the complexities of the Philippines’ post-Marcos transition and the enduring challenges to its political stability.

The Fragile Dawn: Context of the Aquino Presidency

From People Power to Power Held: The Transition

Corazon Aquino, the widow of assassinated opposition leader Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., became the reluctant symbol of opposition to Marcos. Her ascent to the presidency was unconventional, propelled by massive street protests after a snap election widely seen as fraudulent. While EDSA successfully ousted Marcos, it did not magically heal the nation’s deep-seated problems or unify its fractious political landscape.

Aquino’s initial government was a “rainbow coalition,” bringing together figures with vastly different ideologies and ambitions, united primarily by their opposition to Marcos. This included seasoned politicians, human rights lawyers, left-leaning activists, and, crucially, key military figures who had defected from Marcos, notably Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Fidel V. Ramos. This uneasy alliance laid the groundwork for future power struggles.

The immediate tasks were daunting:

Drafting a new constitution (the 1987 Constitution) to replace the Marcos-era charter and solidify democratic institutions.
Reviving a crippled economy plagued by debt and cronyism.
Addressing long-standing communist (New People’s Army – NPA) and Muslim separatist (Moro National Liberation Front – MNLF) insurgencies.
Reforming government institutions riddled with corruption.
Consolidating control over a military accustomed to significant political influence under Marcos.

It was this last challenge – managing the military – that proved most volatile and directly led to the series of coup attempts.

Inherited Challenges: Marcos Legacy and Military Divisions

The AFP under Marcos had become highly politicized. Promotions were often based on loyalty rather than merit, corruption was rampant, and the military enjoyed significant perks and influence. The transition to democracy under Aquino threatened this established order. Several factors fueled discontent within the ranks:

Loss of Privilege and Power: Many officers felt marginalized under the new civilian government. They resented the return of politicians they viewed as corrupt or ineffective and bristled at investigations into past human rights abuses committed during martial law.
Handling of Insurgencies: Aquino initially pursued peace talks with communist rebels, a policy viewed by many in the military as naive and dangerous. Hardliners believed the government was being too soft, undermining their counter-insurgency efforts.
Internal Factions: The AFP was far from monolithic. The most significant faction challenging Aquino was the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM). Initially formed during the late Marcos years ostensibly to push for military reforms, RAM played a key role in the defection that triggered EDSA. Led by charismatic officers like Col. Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan, RAM members felt sidelined and unrewarded in the post-EDSA setup. They harbored their own political ambitions and believed the Aquino government was failing to deliver on the promises of the revolution. Allied with RAM, at least initially, was the powerful figure of Juan Ponce Enrile, who felt increasingly alienated from Aquino’s inner circle. Another faction, the Young Officers Union (YOU), emerged later, often seen as more ideologically driven and radical than RAM.
Basic Needs and Professionalism: Beyond high-level politics, there were widespread grievances among ordinary soldiers regarding low pay, poor equipment, inadequate support for families, and perceived favoritism in promotions.

This potent mix of wounded pride, political ambition, ideological disagreement, and genuine institutional grievances created fertile ground for plots against the Aquino administration.

The Seeds of Discontent: Why the Coups?

The motivations behind the coup attempts were complex and multi-layered, evolving over time but generally revolving around several core themes:

Military Grievances: Pay, Corruption, and Counter-Insurgency Strategy

At a fundamental level, many soldiers felt neglected. They complained about low salaries that barely kept pace with inflation, inadequate equipment to fight insurgents, and insufficient care for wounded soldiers and the families of those killed in action. They saw politicians enjoying the fruits of democracy while they bore the brunt of the fighting in the countryside.

Furthermore, the perception persisted that corruption remained endemic, even under the new administration. Some officers felt that while the faces had changed, the system of patronage and graft continued, disillusioning those who had hoped for genuine reform after Marcos.

Aquino’s approach to the communist insurgency was a major flashpoint. Her administration’s release of detained communist leaders (including Jose Maria Sison) and attempts at ceasefire negotiations were deeply unpopular within large segments of the military establishment. They saw these moves as concessions to the enemy and a sign of weakness, arguing for a more aggressive military solution. The bloody Mendiola Massacre in January 1987, where state forces fired on protesting farmers near Malacañang Palace, further inflamed tensions and provided ammunition to critics who accused the government of mishandling social unrest while being soft on insurgents.

Political Ambitions and Ideological Divides

Beyond institutional grievances, personal ambition played a significant role. Figures like Juan Ponce Enrile, a veteran political operator who served under Marcos, clearly harbored ambitions for greater power. His initial alliance with Aquino quickly soured, and he became a focal point for opposition within the government and the military.

RAM, led by Gregorio Honasan, represented a younger generation of officers who saw themselves as guardians of the nation. While initially framing their goals as reformist, their actions increasingly suggested a desire to seize political power, believing that only a military-led or military-influenced government could effectively govern the Philippines. Their ideology was a blend of nationalism, anti-communism, and a desire for a more disciplined, authoritarian style of leadership. They often portrayed Aquino’s government as weak, indecisive, and infiltrated by leftists.

Perceived Weakness and Policy Disputes

The Aquino administration, navigating the complexities of restoring democracy, was often perceived by its military critics as hesitant and ineffective. Decisions were made through consultation and consensus-building, a stark contrast to the decisive, top-down approach favored by many officers. Policy disputes over economic strategy, land reform, and the handling of Marcos loyalists further fueled dissatisfaction.

The plotters believed that a coup was necessary to “save” the country from chaos, communism, or ineffective civilian rule. They saw themselves as patriots acting in the best interests of the nation, even if their actions directly violated the 1987 Constitution they were sworn to uphold and undermined the very democratic process they claimed EDSA had restored.

A Presidency Under Siege: The Major Coup Attempts

Between 1986 and 1990, the Aquino administration weathered at least seven significant coup attempts, ranging from minor mutinies to full-scale assaults on the capital. These incidents kept the government perpetually off-balance and exacted a heavy toll on the nation.

Coup Attempt	Date	Key Leaders/Groups Involved	Key Events	Outcome	Significance
Manila Hotel Incident	July 1986	Marcos loyalists, Arturo Tolentino	Seizure of Manila Hotel, declaration of Tolentino as acting president.	Collapsed after 2 days; minimal government force used; plotters punished lightly.	Showed lingering Marcos loyalist strength; lenient response possibly emboldened future plotters.
“God Save the Queen” Plot	November 1986	RAM, linked to Enrile	Plot to seize key installations and possibly replace Aquino.	Foiled before execution; led to Enrile’s dismissal as Defense Minister.	Exposed RAM’s ambitions and Enrile’s opposition; Ramos solidified role as key defender.
GMA-7/Channel 7 Siege	January 1987	Col. Oscar Canlas (Marcos Loyalist)	Seizure of a television station; coincided with constitutional plebiscite.	Surrendered after 3 days following military cordon.	Demonstrated continued destabilization efforts during critical political moments.
“Black Saturday” Incident	April 1987	Mutineers	Attack on Fort Bonifacio; failed attempt to release detained soldiers.	Quickly suppressed by loyal troops.	Highlighted ongoing unrest within barracks leading up to congressional elections.
August 1987 Coup Attempt	August 28, 1987	Gregorio Honasan, RAM	Coordinated attacks on Malacañang Palace, Camp Aguinaldo, Villamor Air Base, PTV-4. Heavy fighting in Manila. Aquino’s son, Noynoy, wounded.	Suppressed after intense fighting; Honasan escaped initially. 53 killed, hundreds wounded.	Bloodiest attempt so far; demonstrated RAM’s capability and resolve; shook government confidence; led to cabinet revamp.
December 1989 Coup Attempt	Dec 1-9, 1989	RAM, YOU, Scout Rangers	Seizure of Villamor Air Base, Sangley Point Naval Station; attacks on Camp Aguinaldo; occupation of Makati Business District; strafing of Malacañang Palace.	Suppressed after days of fighting; crucial support from Fidel V. Ramos; US “Persuasion Flights” requested by Aquino. Nearly 100 killed, hundreds wounded.	Most serious threat; paralyzed capital, devastated economy; highlighted deep military divisions; questioned US role; solidified Ramos’s image.
October 1990 Mindanao Revolt	October 1990	Col. Alexander Noble	Renegade colonel declared Mindanao independent.	Surrendered after negotiations and military pressure.	Showcased regional dimensions of military unrest.

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August 1987 Coup Attempt: The Bloodiest Test

The August 1987 coup attempt, led directly by Gregorio Honasan, was a major escalation. Rebel soldiers launched coordinated attacks on key government and military installations across Metro Manila, including a direct assault on the presidential palace, Malacañang Palace. Heavy fighting ensued, particularly around the general headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo. President Aquino herself was forced to take cover, and her son, future president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, was seriously wounded in an ambush near the palace.

AFP Chief of Staff Fidel V. Ramos remained loyal and directed the counter-offensives. After fierce clashes that left over 50 dead and hundreds wounded, loyal troops regained control. Honasan managed to escape, becoming a fugitive and folk hero to some. This attempt starkly revealed the depth of the threat and the government’s vulnerability. It led to a cabinet shake-up and increased calls for tougher measures against military rebels and their perceived civilian backers. It was a brutal demonstration of how surviving coup attempts was becoming a defining feature of the Aquino presidency.

December 1989 Coup Attempt: The Most Serious Threat

Widely regarded as the most dangerous attempt to overthrow Aquino, the December 1989 coup lasted for several days and brought the country to the brink. This time, RAM forces, elements of the Scout Rangers, and the Young Officers Union (YOU) collaborated in a sophisticated operation.

They swiftly captured Villamor Air Base and Sangley Point Naval Station, giving them air capability. Rebel planes (T-28 Trojans or “Tora-Toras”) strafed Malacañang Palace, forcing the presidential family into bunkers. They seized parts of Camp Aguinaldo and occupied high-rise buildings in the Makati Business District, effectively holding the country’s financial center hostage. Fierce battles raged in the streets of Manila.

Once again, Fidel V. Ramos proved instrumental in coordinating the defense. The situation became so critical that President Aquino, albeit reluctantly, requested US assistance. The US launched “Persuasion Flights” – F-4 Phantom jets flying over rebel-held air bases – signaling US support for the Aquino government and deterring rebel pilots from taking off. While no bombs were dropped, the intervention was controversial but arguably crucial in tipping the balance.

After days of intense fighting and negotiations, the coup collapsed. The cost was immense: nearly 100 killed, hundreds wounded, significant damage to property, and devastating blows to the Philippine economy and investor confidence. The December 1989 coup attempt exposed the fragility of the democratic government and the alarming power of military rebels. It also cemented Ramos’s reputation as the staunchest defender of the Aquino administration, paving the way for his own presidential run in 1992. This event starkly highlighted the immense challenge of testing Aquino’s presidency through violent insurrection.

Key Figures in the Drama

Understanding the coup attempts requires understanding the key personalities involved:

Corazon Aquino: Symbol of Democracy Under Fire

Thrust into power by a popular uprising, Aquino embodied the hope for democratic restoration. Lacking traditional political or military experience, she relied heavily on her advisors and her immense popularity. Throughout the coup attempts, she displayed remarkable personal courage, refusing to be intimidated and consistently asserting the principle of Civilian Supremacy. While critics accused her of indecisiveness or naivete, her steadfast refusal to bow to military pressure was crucial in preserving democratic institutions, however imperfect. Her presidency became synonymous with surviving coup attempts.

Fidel V. Ramos: The Steadfast General

As AFP Vice Chief of Staff under Marcos and later Chief of Staff and Defense Secretary under Aquino, Ramos played a pivotal role. Having broken with Marcos alongside Enrile during EDSA, he consistently remained loyal to Aquino during the subsequent coup attempts. His command of the loyalist forces was critical in defeating each putsch. While some questioned his own ambitions, his actions during these crises earned him widespread respect and positioned him as Aquino’s chosen successor, championing stability and military professionalization.

Juan Ponce Enrile: The Political Operator

A complex figure, Enrile was a key player in both the Marcos regime and the EDSA revolution. As Aquino’s first Defense Minister, his relationship with her quickly deteriorated due to policy differences and mutual suspicion. He was widely seen as providing political cover or tacit support for RAM and the early coup plots, leading to his dismissal in late 1986. He remained a powerful political figure and a persistent critic of the Aquino administration.

Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan: The Rebel Leader

The charismatic face of RAM, Honasan was a dashing army colonel who became the most prominent leader of the military rebels. He led the bloody August 1987 coup attempt and was a key figure in the December 1989 siege. Portrayed by supporters as a nationalist reformer and by the government as a reckless mutineer, Honasan embodied the defiance of military factions against civilian authority. His ability to launch major operations and evade capture for extended periods highlighted the challenges facing the Aquino government’s control over the AFP.

The Role of the AFP Rank and File

While the leaders were prominent, the coup attempts involved thousands of soldiers. Their motivations varied – some were genuinely committed to RAM’s ideology, others were following charismatic leaders, some were driven by grievances over pay and conditions, and some were likely coerced or misled. The divisions within the AFP – between loyalists and rebels, between different service branches, and between officers and enlisted personnel – were starkly exposed during these crises, posing a significant threat to national security.

Analyzing the Impact: Consequences and Legacies

The series of coup attempts during the Aquino presidency left deep and lasting scars on the Philippines:

Economic Setbacks and Investor Confidence

Each coup attempt, particularly the major ones in 1987 and 1989, sent shockwaves through the Philippine economy. The violence and instability scared off foreign investors, crippled tourism, disrupted business operations (especially during the Makati Business District siege), and forced the government to divert resources towards security rather than development. The economic recovery initiated after EDSA was repeatedly derailed, prolonging hardship for many Filipinos.

Strengthening Civilian Supremacy (Paradoxically?)

While the coups were direct assaults on civilian supremacy, the fact that they ultimately failed served to reinforce the principle. The Aquino government, despite its perceived weaknesses, survived. Fidel V. Ramos, upon becoming president in 1992, made military professionalization and keeping the armed forces out of politics a key priority. Measures were taken to address soldiers’ grievances, improve oversight, and instill respect for the constitutional order. However, the legacy of military interventionism remained a concern.

Military Reforms and Professionalization

The repeated challenges forced the government and the loyal military leadership to undertake reforms within the AFP. Efforts were made to improve pay and conditions, rationalize promotions, strengthen internal discipline, and reorient the military towards external defense and support for civilian authority rather than internal political maneuvering. The Ramos presidency continued and deepened these reforms.

Deepening Political Divisions

The coup attempts exacerbated existing political fault lines. They created lasting bitterness between the Aquino administration and its opponents, between factions within the military, and between those who supported the coups and those who defended democracy. Figures like Honasan eventually re-entered the political arena, highlighting the complex process of reconciliation and the enduring presence of these historical actors.

Impact on Philippine Democracy and Political Stability

The constant threat of coups defined the Aquino years and highlighted the fragility of the newly restored Philippine Democracy. While democracy survived, the period underscored the persistent challenges of consolidating democratic institutions in a country with a history of authoritarianism and military involvement in politics. The legacy was a heightened awareness of the need for vigilance in protecting democratic processes and ensuring genuine political stability. The Aquino Presidency coup attempts serve as a stark reminder of how close the Philippines came to sliding back into authoritarian rule and the critical importance of upholding the constitutional order.

Key Takeaways:

The presidency of Corazon Aquino (1986-1992) was marked by at least seven significant coup attempts, primarily led by factions within the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) like RAM.
These attempts stemmed from military grievances (pay, counter-insurgency strategy), political ambitions (Juan Ponce Enrile, Gregorio Honasan), and perceived government weakness.
The August 1987 and December 1989 coup attempts were the most severe, causing significant casualties and economic damage, nearly toppling the government.
Fidel V. Ramos played a crucial role in defending the Aquino administration, solidifying his position as a key figure for stability.
The US provided controversial but potentially decisive air support (“Persuasion Flights”) during the December 1989 crisis.
Surviving Coup Attempts Aquino tested the resilience of Philippine Democracy and reinforced the principle of Civilian Supremacy, despite exposing deep institutional weaknesses.
The coups had severe economic consequences, hampered development, and left lasting political scars but also spurred military reforms under Ramos.

Conclusion:

The period of Aquino Presidency coup attempts represents one of the most tumultuous chapters in modern Philippine history. Thrust into power by the peaceful EDSA People Power Revolution, Corazon Aquino’s administration found itself locked in a protracted struggle for survival against disgruntled elements of its own military. The repeated attempts to seize power, spearheaded by groups like RAM and figures such as Gregorio Honasan, were not mere isolated incidents but symptomatic of deeper issues: unresolved grievances from the Marcos era, conflicting visions for the nation’s future, the challenge of professionalizing the AFP, and the inherent fragility of a newly restored democracy.

Each coup attempt tested the resolve of Aquino, the loyalty of key figures like Fidel V. Ramos, and the commitment of the Filipino people to democratic principles enshrined in the 1987 Constitution. The battles fought not just in military camps like Camp Aguinaldo but also in the streets of Manila and the financial hub of the Makati Business District underscored the real and present danger to political stability. While the nation paid a heavy price in terms of lives lost, economic setbacks, and deepened political divisions, the ultimate failure of these coups served as a crucial, albeit painful, affirmation of civilian supremacy. The experience of surviving coup attempts profoundly shaped the trajectory of post-Marcos Philippines, highlighting the enduring need for institutional reform, national reconciliation, and unwavering vigilance in safeguarding Philippine Democracy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Why were there so many coup attempts against Cory Aquino?
- There were multiple contributing factors: lingering loyalty to Marcos among some soldiers, dissatisfaction within the military over low pay and perceived government neglect, disagreements over Aquino’s handling of the communist insurgency (including peace talks), political ambitions of figures like Juan Ponce Enrile and RAM leaders like Gregorio Honasan, and a general sense among some military factions that the civilian government was weak or ineffective. The transition from dictatorship also created power vacuums and uncertainty.
Who was Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan?
- Colonel Gregorio Honasan was a key leader of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM), a group of military officers initially formed during the Marcos era. He was a charismatic figure who led the major coup attempts in August 1987 and December 1989 against the Aquino administration. He later evaded capture, eventually received amnesty, and entered politics, becoming a senator.
What was the role of Fidel V. Ramos during the coup attempts?
- Fidel V. Ramos, initially AFP Vice Chief of Staff and later Chief of Staff and Secretary of National Defense under Aquino, played a consistently crucial role in defending the government. He rallied loyal troops to suppress each coup attempt, particularly the critical ones in 1987 and 1989. His steadfastness earned him Aquino’s trust and positioned him as her successor, winning the presidency in 1992.
Did the United States intervene in the coup attempts?
- During the most serious coup attempt in December 1989, President Aquino requested US assistance. The US conducted “Persuasion Flights,” flying F-4 Phantom jets over rebel-held air bases (like Sangley Point and Villamor). While they did not engage in combat, these flights demonstrated US support for the Aquino government and were seen as a key factor in demoralizing the rebels and preventing them from using their air assets, thus helping to quell the coup. The intervention remained controversial.
What were the long-term effects of the coup attempts?
- The coup attempts had significant negative economic impacts, deterring investment and slowing growth. They exposed deep divisions within the AFP and society. Paradoxically, their failure ultimately strengthened the principle of civilian supremacy over the military. They also led to military reforms aimed at professionalization and addressing soldiers’ grievances, particularly under the subsequent Ramos presidency. However, they left a legacy of political instability and highlighted the ongoing challenges of consolidating Philippine Democracy.
What is RAM (Reform the Armed Forces Movement)?
- RAM was a faction primarily composed of middle-ranking officers in the AFP, formed in the later years of the Marcos regime. Initially advocating for military reforms, they played a role in the EDSA Revolution by breaking away from Marcos. Under the Aquino administration, led by figures like Gregorio Honasan, RAM became the primary instigator of several major coup attempts, driven by a mix of grievances, anti-communism, and political ambition.

Sources:

Casper, G. (1995). Fragile Democracies: The Legacies of Authoritarian Rule. University of Pittsburgh Press. (Provides context on democratic transitions and military roles).
Crisostomo, I. T. (1987). Cory: Profile of a President. Branden Books. (Offers insights into Aquino’s perspective and leadership during the early years).
Cullinane, M. (Various Works). (Historical scholarship on Cebu and the Philippines provides broader political and social context). [Note: While Cullinane focuses heavily on Cebu, his broader understanding of Philippine political history is relevant contextually].
Doronila, A. (1992). The State, Economic Transformation, and Political Change in the Philippines, 1946-1972. Oxford University Press. (Provides pre-Aquino context on state-military relations).
Hernandez, C. G. (1987). The Philippines in 1986: Democratic Reconstruction in the Post-Marcos Era. Asian Survey, 27(2), 194–205.
Kessler, R. J. (1989). Rebellion and Repression in the Philippines. Yale University Press. (Analyzes the dynamics of insurgency and military response).
McCoy, A. W. (1999). Closer than Brothers: Manhood at the Philippine Military Academy. Yale University Press. (Explores the culture and networks within the AFP, relevant to understanding RAM).
Putzel, J. (1992). A Captive Land: The Politics of Agrarian Reform in the Philippines. Ateneo de Manila University Press. (Discusses policy contexts like agrarian reform that fueled tensions).
Thompson, M. R. (1995). The Anti-Marcos Struggle: Personalistic Rule and Democratic Transition in the Philippines. Yale University Press. (Details the transition period and the challenges faced by Aquino).
Timberman, D. G. (1991). A Changeless Land: Continuity and Change in Philippine Politics. Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. (Offers analysis of the political landscape during the Aquino years).
Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. (Government records and statements from the period). https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/
News Archives (e.g., New York Times, Associated Press, local Philippine newspapers like Philippine Daily Inquirer archives for contemporary reports on the coup events).

Category: Contemporary Period (1986-Present)