SH1688

PEOPLE POWER
I. Important Events Leading to People Power
A. 1978 Interim Batasang Pambansa Election
• On the year 1978, Marcos conducted an election for the Interim Batasang Pambansa, the
legislative body of the Philippines during the Martial Law.
• The decision of Marcos was influenced by U.S. President Jimmy Carter, a human rights
advocate.
• Senator Aquino, a detainee, was allowed to run during the said election. However, he was
not given the chance to campaign
• Imelda Marcos led the regime’s party Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL).
• On the other hand, Senator Aquino formed an alliance known as Lakas ng Bayan or Laban
against KBL.
• As a support to the opposition candidate, a noise barrage was staged, which lasted for
hours. This was one of the first manifestations of People Power.
• The result of the elections was rigged in favor of KBL.
B. Light-A-Fire Movement and April 6 Movement
• An organized group supported by wealthy Filipinos living in the United States with an
aim to destabilize the Marcos regime.
• Doris Baffrey, a secret member of April 6 movement, was responsible of detonating an
explosive during the world conference of American Society of Travel Agents held in
Manila. She was arrested and detained at Camp Crame for five (5) years. Thus, making
her the longest woman detainee of Martial Law.
C. Proclamation 2045 and the 1981 Election
• On the year 1981, Marcos declared Proclamation 2045 or uplifting the Martial Law.
However, his powers during the Martial Law remained the same.
• Many factors contributed for the decision of Marcos. These included the weak economy,
United States new president, Ronald Raegan, and the upcoming official visit of Pope John
Paul II.
• On the same year, the administration held an election. The opposition party boycotted the
said election because they did not believe that a clean election would occur.
• Marcos won the election.
D. Assassination of Senator Aquino
• After three (3) years living in the United States, Senator Aquino went back to the
Philippines.
• On his way back to the Philippines, Aquino used the name Marcial Bonifacio on his
passport.
• On August 21, 1983 Aquino was assassinated.
E. 1986 Election
• This election was also known as the Snap Election. Like the 1978 Election, the decision
of Marcos was based on the pressure coming from the United States.
• The administration was represented by Marcos as their President and Arturo Tolentino as
the Vice-President. On the other hand, Corazon Aquino ran as President with Salvador
Laurel as her running mate for the opposition party.
Reference:
Magsanoc-Alikpala, K. (1997). Batas militar. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SG2Mx7Y5vzc

03 Handout 2 *Property of STI

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