PEOPLE'S POWER IN THE PHILIPPINES : QUEST FOR DEMOCRACY

This article analyzes the 1986 People Power Revolution in the Philippines, which led to the ousting of President Ferdinand Marcos and the restoration of democracy. It examines the long-term and immediate causes of the revolution, including the decay of the Marcos dictatorship, economic crisis, the assassination of opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr., and the fraudulent presidential election of 1986. The study provides a detailed account of the four-day, non-violent revolution, highlighting the crucial roles played by civil society, the Catholic Church, and defecting elements of the military. The research assesses the significance of the People Power Revolution as a model for democratic transition and non-violent resistance. The paper concludes by exploring the formidable challenges facing the new democratic government of Corazon Aquino as it embarked on the difficult task of rebuilding the country's political and economic institutions.

The 1986 People Power Revolution in the Philippines was a landmark event in the global "third wave" of democratization. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of this remarkable transition from authoritarianism to democracy. The study begins by detailing the long decay of the Marcos regime, from its initial promise of development to its descent into crony capitalism, corruption, and brutal political repression. It identifies the 1983 assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr. as the key catalyst that galvanized a fragmented opposition and awakened the political consciousness of the urban middle class. The core of the article is a narrative analysis of the pivotal events of February 1986, triggered by the blatant fraud in the snap presidential election. It recounts how the call for civil disobedience by Corazon Aquino, combined with a military mutiny led by key defense officials, culminated in millions of ordinary citizens taking to the streets of Manila to protect the rebels and demand Marcos's departure. The paper emphasizes the non-violent character of the uprising and the critical role of civil society actors, particularly the Catholic Church and its radio station, Radio Veritas, in mobilizing the population. The concluding section reflects on the immediate aftermath and the broader legacy of the revolution. It discusses the immense challenges of democratic consolidation that confronted the new government, from rewriting the constitution to dealing with a shattered economy and a politicized military, offering a sober assessment of the long and difficult road from revolutionary euphoria to institutionalized democracy.