INTRO/ BRIEF BACKGROUND ON PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTION

● Also known as EDSA Revolution

● Occurred in the Philippines on February 22, 1986
● Held around a major highway in Metro Manila called EDSA
● Peaceful demonstrations of acts and disobedience from the corrupt administration of the
Marcos Regime
● Led by Corazon Aquino, the widow of the opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr.

WHAT PROMPTED THE PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTION?

● The widespread opposition to the Authoritarian rule of former president Ferdinand

Marcos
● The economic hardships many Filipinos were facing during the Marcoses era
● The Human Rights abuses and rampant violation of civil liberties, widespread torture and
extrajudicial killings of political opposition of the Marcos regime, particularly the
opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr. in 1983

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICs

Politics
● Corruption is just a normal part of the Government manifestation of Apathy

● You need “machinery” meaning money to win, name recognition. Wealth is not just an
inheritance but a name. People who are capable are not willing to run.

● Very obsessed with infrastructure projects this speaks volumes to our short term
solutions rather than the long game. Immediate rather than systematic

The story of EDSA was never a fight against the Aquinos versus Marcos it was Oppression
versus the Filipino People I want everyone to remember that the Philippines was given a reboot
to choose the path that it wanted I want you to be the judge of that result as a end to

But before that conviction happens I want to share the positive thing that the spirit of EDSA left
us. It was people at the center of the movement, volunteerism was alive, literal risk of their life
was the possibility.
EDSA will always be a revolution born out of the fervor of the people to want change in a
progressive manner and they acted with it, a great feat to topple a Dictatorial Regime even
spreading in Asia with similar movements. The days after that it became a restoration of the
same old system of Elite Democracy where both political and economic power rested on the
very few families that served under the Marcos era and are offspring of the Colonizers masked
in Democracy who do not regard the sanctity of this process.

CULTURE

The 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution symbolizes the willingness of the Filipinos to stand
together to fight for freedom and democracy, which had a profound impact on Philippine culture
in the decades following the event.

Some of the key ways in which it has influenced the country's culture include:

1. A heightened sense of nationalism: The EDSA Revolution inspired a sense of national pride
and unity among Filipinos, as they came together to challenge the authoritarian regime and
restore democracy to the country.

2. A renewed appreciation for democracy and freedom: The EDSA Revolution gave Filipinos a
deeper appreciation for the value of democratic institutions and individual freedoms. This has
helped to shape the country's political culture and has reinforced the importance of civic
engagement and political participation.

3. An increased focus on human rights: The EDSA Revolution brought attention to the human
rights abuses committed by the previous regime and helped to spur efforts to protect the rights
of all Filipinos. This has led to greater awareness of the importance of human rights and has
helped to promote greater respect for the dignity of all individuals in the Philippines.

4. A new generation of leaders: The EDSA Revolution gave rise to a new generation of leaders
who are committed to democratic ideals and to serving the needs of the Philippine people.
These leaders have brought a fresh perspective to the country's political discourse and have
helped to shape a new vision for the future of the Philippines.

Overall, the EDSA Revolution has had a profound impact on Philippine culture and has helped
to shape the country into a more democratic, equitable, and prosperous society.

SOCIETY

Some of the key ways in which it has influenced the country's society include:

1. Increased political engagement: The EDSA Revolution helped to inspire a new level of
political engagement among Filipinos, as they gained a deeper appreciation for the importance
of democratic institutions and the role of individual citizens in shaping the future of their country.

2. Improved human rights: The EDSA Revolution brought attention to the human rights abuses
committed by the previous regime and helped to spur efforts to protect the rights of all Filipinos.
This has led to greater respect for human rights in the country and has helped to promote a
more just and equitable society.

3. Greater transparency and accountability: The EDSA Revolution helped to establish a more
transparent and accountable government in the Philippines, as democratic institutions were
established and efforts were made to promote greater transparency in the workings of the state.

4. A stronger civil society: The EDSA Revolution helped to spur the growth of a stronger civil
society in the Philippines, as NGOs, advocacy groups, and other civil society organizations
gained greater prominence and influence in shaping public discourse and promoting social
change.

5. A more inclusive society: The EDSA Revolution helped to promote greater inclusiveness in
Philippine society, as efforts were made to address the needs and concerns of marginalized
communities and to promote greater equality and justice for all Filipinos.

Overall, the EDSA Revolution has had a profound impact on Philippine society and has helped
to shape the country into a more democratic, inclusive, and just society.
RAMOS

The 1987 Philippine Constitution was made to replace the previous constitution from 1973,
which was in effect during the martial law era. The new constitution was created to restore
democratic institutions, protect individual rights, and establish a system of checks and balances
between the branches of government. It was also intended to provide a framework for the
transition from authoritarianism to democracy in the Philippines.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution, which was written after the fall of the Marcos dictatorship,
included several amendments aimed at preventing a repeat of the abuses committed during the
Marcos regime. Some of the key amendments include:

● Limitation of the presidential term to a single, non-renewable six-year term.

● Strengthening of the Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties and human rights.

● Establishment of an independent Commission on Human Rights to investigate and

prosecute human rights violations.

● Creation of an independent Ombudsman to investigate and prosecute government

corruption.

● Establishment of a Commission on Elections to ensure free, fair, and transparent

elections.

● Establishment of an independent central monetary authority, the Bangko Sentral ng

Pilipinas, to stabilize the Philippine economy and prevent economic abuses.

● These amendments were aimed at promoting democratic governance, protecting

individual rights, and promoting accountability and transparency in government.