Submitted by: RENZ KIAN L.

LUCIANO 11-STEM FISCHER EMPOWERMENT

TECHNOLOGIES
The Edsa People Power Revolution
MANILA, Philippines — Sixteen years ago, Filipinos congregated on EDSA, the famous highway where
freedom was gained against a dictator in 1986. Former President Joseph Estrada, who was facing plunder
accusations at the time, was the target of EDSA People Power II, a series of rallies held from January 16 to
20, 2001. The demonstrations eventually brought Estrada down, allowing Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, his
vice president, to take center stage in the political arena. However, during Arroyo's presidency, she would
encounter her own set of challenges. Both former presidents appeared to have taken the same path in
politics: they were both vice presidents before ascending to the highest office in the land, and both have
been charged with crimes. Despite this, Estrada and Arroyo are still in office.

In 1998, Estrada — a prominent actor-turned-politician – won the presidential election with the slogan
"Erap para sa mahirap" (Erap for the poor). Soon after, his political difficulties began when then-Ilocos Sur
governor Chavit Singson, a close buddy, went public with allegations that Estrada and his friends had
collected millions of pesos through illegal jueteng operations. Senators had to determine whether or not to
open an envelope containing substantial evidence linking Estrada to over a billion pesos in deposits under
the name "Jose Velarde" during Estrada's impeachment trial.

Ten senators voted "yes," while 11 voted "no," prompting Senate President Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel Jr to
resign and walk out of the chamber with nine other senators. This dramatic scenario served as the final push
for Filipinos to march to EDSA on January 16, 2001. People began to crowd around the landmark EDSA
Shrine on the first night of the rally to express their feelings. In the following days, more Filipinos
participated, including students, activists, and music industry figures, while the Philippine National Police
and Armed Forces of the Philippines withdrew their support for the president. On the final day of the
protest, January 20, Arroyo was sworn in as the 14th President of the Republic of the Philippines in front of
cheering crowds on EDSA. Estrada wrote a letter in response to Arroyo's decree, stating that he had serious
questions regarding its legality and constitutionality. He did, however, say he would resign to allow for
national reconciliation. In the same year, Estrada and his family left Malacañang Palace. In September 2007,
he was found guilty of plunder.