Marcos’ dictatorial reign was finally challenged in 1983, after 11 years of absolutism. The dictator’s biggest rival, Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr., illegally returned from exile in the US on August 21, 1983. When Aquino exited the plane at Manila International Airport, he was assassinated. After the event, Marcos submitted to political pressure and organized a presidential election, his prime candidate being Corazon Aquino, Benigno’s widow. Corazan had a wide backing from the FIlipino people, therefore the Marcos cabinet was suspected of corruption when he was proclaimed winner of the election.
People Power Revolution
After the crooked election in which Marcos suspiciously defeated Corazan Aquino, the Filipino people constructed a peaceful rebellion in protest. According to TIME Magazine reporter, Roger Rosenblatt, the so called ‘Revolution’ consisted of, “Filipinos armed to the teeth with rosaries and flowers, massing in front of tanks, and the tanks stopping, and some of the soldiers who were the enemy embracing the people and their flowers.” In other words, the people of the Philippines had grown tired of Marcos’ regime, and took to the streets to make a change. Two of Marcos’ long-time allies, Fidel V. Ramos and Secretary of National Defense, Juan Aguinaldo, organized the rebels in this peaceful revolution. After many protests and military defections, Marcos and his allies fled to Hawaii. Corazon Aquino was then recognized as official president of the Philippines. This year, 1986, is recognized as the Philippine return to democracy.
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