EDSA REVOLUTION 1 “PEOPLE POWER”

VALUE ADDED THEORY:

STRUCTURAL CONDUCIVENESS:

The People Power Revolution (also known as the EDSA Revolution and the Philippine
Revolution of 1986) was a series of nonviolent and prayerful mass street demonstrations in the
Philippines that occurred in 1986. It is sometimes referred to as the Yellow Revolution due to
the presence of yellow ribbons during the arrival of Ninoy Aquino. These protests were the
culmination of a long resistance by the people against the 20-year running authoritarian regime
of then current president Ferdinand Marcos and made news headlines as "the revolution that
surprised the world". The majority of the demonstrations took place at Epifanio de los Santos
Avenue, known more commonly by its acronym EDSA, in Quezon City, Metropolitan Manila and
involved over 200,000 Filipino civilians as well as several political, military, and religious figures,
such as Jaime Cardinal Sin. The protests, fueled by a resistance and opposition of years of
corrupt governance by Marcos, occurred from February 22 to 25 in 1986, when Marcos fled
Malacañang Palace to the United States and conceded to Corazon Aquino as President of the
Philippines.

STRUCTURAL STRAIN:

People expects too much from the government. They want sudden change and life of
wealthiest. But they can’t even help themselves and they blame it all in the government.
GENERALIZED BELIEF:

EDSA revolution happened because President Ferdinand Marcos wanted to keep power over
this country. He had declared himself a dictator and sought all ways to reside as being a ruler.
This President was chosen over his brilliance. Marcos ordered the military to kill any political
competition that is against him.

Ferdinand Marcos is dishonestly appropriating the money of the country, making the nation lose
its competitive edge.

PRECIPITATING FACTOR:

Most Filipinos believe that Marcos was involved in Ninoy Aquino’s killing, knowing that Ninoy is
the main rival of Ferdinand Marcos.

When the Philippine National Assembly announced that Marcos was the winner in the election
against his opponent Cory Aquino (Ninoy Aquino’s widow), a rebellion in the Philippine military,
supported by hundreds of thousands of Filipinos marching in the streets, forced Ferdinand and
Imelda Marcos to flee the country.

MOBILIZATION FOR ACTIONS:

Government troops arrived to knock down the main transmitter of Radio Veritas, cutting off
broadcasts to people in the provinces. The station switched to a standby transmitter with a
limited range of broadcast. The station was targeted because it had proven to be a valuable
communications tool for the people supporting the rebels, keeping them informed of government
troop movements and relaying requests for food, medicine, and supplies.

June Keithley received reports that Marcos had left Malacañang Palace and broadcasted this to
the people at EDSA. The crowd celebrated and even Ramos and Enrile came out from Crame
to appear to the crowds. The jubilation was however short-lived as Marcos later appeared on
television on the government-controlled Channel 4, declaring that he would not step down. It
was thereafter speculated that the false report was a calculated move against Marcos to
encourage more defections.
During People Power, Filipino street protesters employed active nonviolent tactics such as
communicating with a wider audience, representing their group, acting symbolically, pressuring
the opponent, dramatizing and singing, sponsoring public assemblies, and withdrawing support
from the politically powerful.

MECHANISMS FOR SOCIAL CONTROL:

The first serious encounter with government troops occurred. Marines marching from Libis, in
the east, lobbed tear gas at the demonstrators, who quickly dispersed. Some 3,000 Marines
then entered and held the east side of Camp Aguinaldo.

Rebel helicopters attacked Villamor Airbase, destroying presidential vehicles. Another helicopter
went to Malacañang, fired a rocket and caused minor damage.

Marcos finally declined after being advised by United States Senator Paul Laxalt to cut cleanly.
Marcos and his family had a safe passage and were transported by four American helicopters to
Hawaii.