“1986 EDSA REVOLUTION AND

THE AQUINO GOVERNMENT”

Assassination of Ninoy Aquino

September 21, 1972- proclamation of Martial Law

 President Marcos tried to neutralize his opponents and the

opposition party by filing charges to them.
 He ordered for the arrest of Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.
 Aquino was imprisoned at Fort Bonifacio for almost 8 years. He
was released when he underwent a heart bypass operation in the
United States.
 For almost 3 years in the United States, Aquino decided to return
to the Philippines, Marcos tried to stop him, claiming that there
was a threat to his life.
 He was ordered to postpone his return to the country but he
persisted. By using fake travel documents, he was able to fly back
to the Philippines.
August 21, 1983- He boarded at China Airlines that landed at Manila
International Airport at about 1:00 p.m in the afternoon.

 At the stairway, a shot rang out, in a few seconds several shots

were fired.
 Ninoy’s lifeless body lay dead on the airport Tarmac.

Rolando Galman- Ninoy’s alleged

 His lifeless body was found few meters from Aquino’s body

SNAP PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 1986

1985-the call for change of government and the resignation of President

Marcos emerged.

February 7, 1986- snap presidential election called by Marcos.

-to prove that majority of the citizens still trust

Marcos and he still have the mandate of the people.

The government party, KBL chose President Marcos and Assembly man
Arturo M. Tolentino as their official candidates for president and vice
president.

On the opposition:

United Nation Democratic Party (UNDO) and PDP Laban

- Mrs. Corazon C. Aquino (president) – Ninoy’s widow.

-Salvador H. Laurel (vice president) - son of the late

President Jose P. Laurel.
 President Marcos, a brilliant politician, planned the KBL
Party strategy to ensure their victory in the snap election, by using
“guns, goons, and gold” to intimidate or entice voters to support the
Marcos- Tolentino ticket.

“Marcos pa rin! ” (Were still with Marcos!)

-battle cry of the KBL

“Tama Na, Sobra Na, Palitan Na! “ (Enough is enough- change

them”)

“Ituloy ang laban ni Ninoy!” (Continue Ninoy’s fighting”)

-These are the slogan of Aquino-Laurel ticket during the

election.
RESULT OF THE SNAP ELECTION

As tabulated by the National Citizen Movement for Free

Elections (Namfrel), the result of the election showed that, despite
massive cheating, intimidation and bribery by the government, Marcos
and Tolentino ticket lost to a margin of about 800,000 votes to Aquino
and Laurel ticket.

The so-called “official” tallies made by the Commission on

Elections, as certified by the Batasang Pambansa , did not reflect the
will of the people.

Thirty Commission on Election tabulators walked out of the

Philippine International convention Center (PICC), where the
supposedly official tabulation was done; in protest of anomalous
computerized tampering of the results.

February 15, 1986- The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines

issued a pastoral latter to be read in all Catholic churches.

February 16, 1986 (Sunday) - the opposition held a huge rally,

attended by some four million people at Luneta Park, Manila.

 Mrs. Aquino called for a peaceful non-violent civil disobedience

movement and she promised to rally the support of the people to
her cause through the country.

People Power Revolution

 The “People Power” started as a military revolt of the reform

movement in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Leaders:
Juan Ponce Enrile – Secretary of Defence
General Fidel Ramos – Deputy Chief of Staff
February 22, 1986 - Minister Enrile and General Ramos gave a press
conference to announce their withdrawal of support from President
Marcos.

-Minister Enrile admitted that Mrs. Aquino had won the

elections and that President Marcos had been deceiving the
people for some time.

-He called on Marcos to resign and for the people to

support the military defectors.

Priest and nuns led by Cardinal Sin and ordinary citizens

inspired by Corazon Aquino, Salvador Laurel and others, joined the anti-
Marcos soldiers.

Three Powers:

*military

*church

*people power

The initial defection by a handful of brave military leaders

turned into a people’s revolution. After the appeals for public support
were aired over Radio Veritas, the Catholic radio station, thousands of
people filled Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame, where the military
defectors and reformist troops waited from the attack of Marcos’
soldiers.

February 23, 1986 – thousands more came and reinforced the human
barricade around two camps.

General Fabian Ver - leader of the Marcos loyalist troops which causes
the said situation more critical.

About 8 p.m. - the attacking forces, riding in armoured tanks and

carriers under the command of Brig. Gen. Artemio Tadiar, arrived at
Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in front of Camp Crame.
 They could not assault the camp because thousands of
unarmed civilians had formed a vast human barricade to block the way.
Priests and nuns knelt or sat in front of the tanks, and behind them were
many more citizens ready and willing to sacrifice their lives.

People rushed to the soldiers and offered them food and

drink as a gesture of love, while children were hoisted up to the tanks
giving fresh flowers and friendly embrace to the Marcos troops.

Evidently moved by the astonishing scene General Tadiar

ordered a retreat.

February 24 and 25 - The confidence of the people soared because the

tide turned in their favour.

About 85% of the members of the Armed Forces of the

Philippines including Air Force joined the side of Minister Enrile and
General Ramos. Millions of citizens from all walk of life took turns in
maintaining the people’s barricades, and thousand more come from
nearby provinces.

Foreign media people also flashed the news about

Philippines to other parts of the world, and even foreigners became
fascinated with the courageous out pouring of selfless sacrifices shown
by the Filipino people.

February 25, 1986 – Marcos and his family, and some friends
(including General Ver) left the Malacañ ang Palace and were taken by
the United State Air Force to Guam then to Hawaii.

The dictatorial government has ended. The people had

won, after a peaceful revolution of only four days. To celebrate the
downfall of the Marcos dictatorship, the people it bonfires, danced and
sang in the streets of the main cities of the country.
 MARIA CORAZON SUMULONG COJUANGCO-AQUINO

(February 25, 1986 – June 30, 1992)

Seventh President of the third Philippine Republic

 First woman President of the country

 She was born on January 25, 1933
 Died on August 1, 2009
 Through the people power she led, she restored democracy of the Philippines
 She led the people power that ousted the strongman Ferdinand E. Marcos
 She was the widow of the assassinated opposition leader Benigno Aquino
 She was nominated to the Nobel Prize for peace
 In 1986, she was featured by the Time Magazine as “Woman of the Year”
 One of her achievements was the framing of the new constitution wherein
one of the new contents was the limitation of the power of the president
 She established the bicameral system of lawmaking body.
 Her programs on social aspect highlight the interest on liberties and human
rights; there was a series of peace talks with the Muslim separatists and
communist insurgents.
 She encouraged prioritizing the Filipino products as her slogan goes “Let’s all
think Filipino; Lets buy Filipino”.
 The country experienced a series of coup attempts which was also the
hindrance for the aborted Nobel Peace Prize award.
 SCHOLASTIC ACHEIVEMENTS

Doctor of International Relations, honoris causa, from:

 Boston University in Boston

 Eastern University in St. David, Pennsylvania
 Fordham University in New York
 Waseda University in Tokyo

Doctor of Civil Law, honoris causa, from:

 Far Eastern University (59th Commencement Exercises,

March 1987)

Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from:

 University of the Philippines

 University of Santo Tomas in Manila

Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, from:

 Ateneo de Manila University

 College of Mount Saint Vincent in New York
 Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan (Cagayan de Oro
City, Philippines)

Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, from:

 San Beda College in Manila, 2000

 Seattle University, 2002
 Stonehill College in Massachusetts
 University of Oregon, 1995

Doctor of Public Administration, honoris causa, from:

 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (University of the

City of Manila), June 1994
 TRANSITORY GOVERNMENT AND
PROVISIONAL CONSTITUTION

After her oath of office at the Club Filipino, President

Aquino immediately established a revolutionary government to control
the situation. She formed a small cabinet composed of 14 minutes
ordered the release of all political prisoners and restored the wilt of
habeas corpus in Region IX and XII in Mindanao, she opened the doors
of Malacañ ang Palace to the people and preferred to work in the small
Guest House of the Palace.

February 1987 – A constitutional commission was formed to draft a

new and permanent constitution.

The constitution sets limitations on the power of the

president especially on the power to declare martial law, proposed the
creation of two autonomous regions, in the Cordilleras and Muslim
Mindanao, and restored the bicameral congress.

In the downfall of Marcos government after twenty-five

years, the Aquino government was only transitory. Some considered it a
“revolutionary” government because it was born during the people’s
revolution. In substance, it was a democratic form of government, for it
was based on the will of the people.
 SALIENT FEATURES OF 1987 CONSTITUTION

Democratic and Republican State

The nature of the Philippines as state, according to the
Constitution is a “democratic and republican state.” Following the same
provision, it states that “sovereignty resides in the people and all
government authority emanates from them.” The provision is a clear
provision that sovereign power belongs to the people, not to the
military or to government officials.
Separation of Powers
Consistent with the doctrine of separation of powers, the
powers of the government are exercised mainly by the three branches-
the executive, the legislative and judiciary. The 1987 Constitution
prohibits encroachment of one branch over the other.
Judicial and Bar Council
A body created to recommend appointees to the judicial
branch. The council is designed to remove politics from the
appointment of justices and judges. The council was composed of
Supreme Court Chief Justice, Secretary of Justice, a Representative of
Congress, a representative from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, a
professor of Law, a retired member of the Supreme Court, a
representative for private sector and the Clerk of Court of the Supreme
Court.
Veto Power and Overriding the Veto Power
The presidential power to disapprove or reject a proposed
law is called veto power. However, congress may override the veto
power of the president if there is approval of 2/3rds of the members of
the congress. This is to ensure that congress will not pass hasty
legislation, while the power to override is to prevent the abuse of power
by the president.
Autonomy of the Local Government
The constitution grants autonomy from the local
government units. Local government units under the constitution may
exercise the three fundamental powers of the government, these are:
power of taxation, power of eminent domain and police power.

Declaration of Martial Law and Suspension of the

Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus

The president may only declare martial law and suspend

the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in cases of invasion and
rebellion, when public safety requires it. Such declaration and
suspension will not exceed 60 days unless approved by Congress. The
declaration and suspension is also subject to review and revocation of
both Congress and the Supreme Court.

Staggered Number of Senators

Of the twenty-four senators elected in 1992, the first twelve
obtaining the highest number of votes shall serve for six years and the
remaining twelve for three years. This is intended to ensure the
continuity of legislative process.
Creation of Metropolitan Authority

Metropolitan Authority (now MMDA) is composed of heads

of all local governments in the Metropolitan Manila area. The MMDA’s
tasks are the following:

(1) Development and planning

(2) Transport and traffic management
(3) Solid waste disposal
(4) Flood control
(5) Urban renewal and zoning
(6) Health and sanitation
(7) Public safety
DEVELOPMENTS UNDER PRESIDENT CORAZON
AQUINO ADMINISTRATION

A. Political Development Under Aquino Administration

Coup d’état and Insurgency

Progress is inevitable when corruption is eliminated, peace

and order and basic liberties are restored but the administration
of Aquino was considered weak, as it faced coup attempt that
hindered economic development of the country. But the
administration was able to survive at least 10 coup d’état attempt.

Privatization

President Aquino privatized many government owned and

controlled corporations, such as water and electricity. This
practice was viewed by many as Aquino catering to oligarchic as
well as promoting the interest of the United States, losing the
government’s power of regulation.

Naval Bases
President Aquino lobbyed for the extension of 10 years of
United States military bases in the Philippines but the Senate
rejected it. The United States turned over the Clark Air Base and
the Subic Bay Naval Base in December 1992, ending almost a
century of U.S. military presence in the Philippines.

The two countries, nonetheless, remain allies by virtue of

Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) in 1951. The alliance was further
strengthened by the 1998 Philippines United States Visiting
Forces Agreement (VFA), which allowed for the resumption of
large-scale joint exercises and other defense cooperation
activities like Balikatan Exercises.
Ill- GOTTEN WEALTH

The injustice, abuses and corrupt activities of the ousted

President Marcos paved way for the series of initiatives under the
Aquino administration to give justice to the victims.

Presidential Commission on Government (PCGG)

-This was created by President Aquino to recover
properties illegally occupied by Marcos and his cronies.
Marcos and other were assessed with tax liabilities and
charged with graft and corruption. Properties in the United States,
traced as part of the Marcos ill-gotten wealth, were recovered and sold.
Bank deposit worth millions in Switzerland was put under
the control of the Swiss courts.

HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

President Marcos was charged for violating the U.S. Alien

Tort Statute for human rights of sone 10,000 Filipinos and ordered to
pay a total of two billion dollars as compensation to the victims.
Presidential Committe on Human Rights(PCHR)
-Created by President Aquino
- It began receiving complaints on human rights abuses
1987- The Task Force Detains of the Philippines filed around 700 cases
on various human rights abuses.
Commission on Human Rights
-received 12,000 complaints in its first 6 years.
-Only half of the investigated complaints reached the
prosecutor’s office and the courts.

B. ECONOMIC CONDITION UNDER AQUINO

ADMINISTRATION

Foreign Debt

Country’s US $28 billion external debt –

The most serious problem in the Philippines at the time
Aquino assumed the office as President.

Economists within the economic planning agency, the

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) -
Argued that economic recovery would be difficult, if not
impossible, to achieve in a short period of time if the country did
not reduce the size of the source outflows associated with its
external debt.

AGRARIAN REFORM

June 10, 1988 - President Corazon Aquino signed into law

Republic Act No. 6657
(Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988)
The program gives the farmers and farm workers the
opportunity to improve the quality of their lives. The land reform
of Pres. Aquino was more comprehensive in the sense that it
covers all public and private farmlands, including other lands of
the public domain suitable to the agriculture as compared to Pres.
Marcos’ land reform program which covers rice and corn
farmlands only.
Note:
Qualified beneficiaries are entitled to receive family size
farmlands, which will not exceed 3 hectares.
Owners can retain 5 hectares.

ECONOMIC GROWTH

The economic growth was low to 1.9%. For the next 2

years, growth was more respectable to 5.7% and 6.7%.

1986-1987- consumption contributed to economic growth,

investment began to increase.

1988-1989- investment in durable goods increase by almost 30%

because of the support of international community

1989-1991- meetings of the aid plan called the Multilateral Aid

Initiative. Also known as the Philippine Assistance Plan, a
multinational initiated to provide assistance to the Philippines,
pledges a total of US$ 6.7 billion.

Taxation

The Aquino administration formulated thirty new

measures in its tax reform program. The investment incentives
system was revised, luxury taxes were imposed.
1988- a variety of sales taxes were replaced by a 10% value-
added tax.

Problem: System of collecting taxes

 C. SOCIO-CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT UNDER AQUINO’S
ADMINISTRATION

 Democracy has been restored, including democratic practices

and possesses upon the ouster of a director.
 Basic freedom was restored, no fear of unlawful arrest nor illegal
detention, and worst summary execution.
 The freedom of the press and expression were now enjoyed
without hesitation or fear from punishment.
 Violence and military abuses were eliminated, people begun to
live their normal and peaceful lives.

D. EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DURING AQUINO’S

ADMINISTRATION

1990-1991- Decade of Education for All (EFA)

 Aquino expanded the Nonformal Education in the Philippines.

Executive Order No. 117- enacted to create the Bureau of Nonformal

Education

Article 14, section 2(4) of the 1987 Philippine constitution:

“The state shall encourage nonformal, formal,

indigenous learning systems, as well as self-learning, independent
and out-of- school study programs, particularly those that respond
to community needs: and provide adult citizens, the disabled and
out-of-school youth training in civics, vocational efficiency and
other skills.”
Scandals

“Philippine Airlines Lines Stocks to nephew’s”

Cory Approved in January 1992 the sale of 67% of the stocks of the
Philippine Airlines (PAL) to an investment group headed by her relatives,
composed of one of her Tanjuatco nephews and three of her Cojuangco
nephews. The sale resulted in a loss of USD 300-million plus for the Filipino
people. The Philippine government, through the Government Service
Insurance System (GSIS), owned the shares. And worse, her nephews did
not even have the money to pay for the airline stocks. They borrowed the
money that they used to pay GSIS from three Philippines government-
owned banks, even using the PAL stocks as collateral.

“Refusal to give Hacienda Luisita to Farmers”

Cory publicity promised in 1986 that Hacienda Luisita will be

distributed to the farmers. However, in 1987n she issued Presidential
Proclamation 131 and Executive Order No. 229 just days before her
legislative powers were going to revert back to congress, to include a
provision in the Land Reform program for a “Stock Distribution Option”,
which allows landowners to comply with the Land Reform Law without
actually giving land to the formers. Hacienda Luisita of course look this new
option, and thus was not redistributed to the farmers.
LEGACY

 Corazon Aquino is fondly remembered and deeply revered by

Filipinos as the "mother of Philippine democracy", the "housewife
who led a revolution" and the "woman who restored democracy".

 Many also see her both as a hero and a saint. She has also been
hailed as a modern-day Joan of Arc by international observers.

 As president, for all the challenges and headaches her administration

faced, Aquino will be remembered for bringing back democratic,
republican and constitutional rule in the Philippines with the
unveiling and ratification of the 1987 Constitution.

 She promulgated the New Civil Code of the Philippines and the
Family Code of the Philippines.

 Her presidency would be remembered for its emphasis on

decentralization of governmental powers by pressing for more
involvement of local governments and pushing for autonomy as a
means to ward off ethnic secessionism in the Cordillera and Muslim
Mindanao regions.
Interesting Facts:

 According to Cory, Ninoy, although not demonstrative, expresses

his love through gifts and love letters. In fact, for her 21st
birthday, Cory received from Ninoy a portrait of her done by no
less than Fernando Amorsolo. It was too expensive that the
painting cost Ninoy two months’ salary.

 She was a grade school valedictorian by accident.

 She spoke Japanese and French.

 She did have some ‘political experience.’
 Contrary to popular belief that Cory did not have any political
experience, she did somewhat had a brief foray into the world of
American politics. During her stay in the States, Cory joined the
junior Republicans and became a volunteer supporter for New
York Governor Thomas Dewey against the Democrat Harry
Truman during the 1948 elections

 She was initially unhappy about Ninoy’s political ambitions.

 She used tranquilizers to stop herself from crying.
 Her favourite color is not yellow but red.

Sky