Once and for all, the Philippines has proven that there is an alternative way to oust a dictator without resorting to violence. They call it People Power.

February 25 is a special day of remembering for the Filipino people. It marks the culmination of their sustained campaign against tyranny. On this day in 1986, they finally succeeded in removing President Ferdinand E. Marcos from his 20-year rule. Without resorting to violence!

Thirty years ago, more than two million Filipinos from all walks of life linked their arms together and marched on the streets to show their discontent over Marcos’ repressive rule. With one heart, one mind, and one purpose they walked resolute and unswerving. While, armed government troops, armoured vehicles, and tanks advanced from the opposite side, ready for a confrontation with them. But none of the civilians budged! And they were even unarmed. What they had, instead, were rosaries and flowers, and of course, courage and incredible faith in God.

When they were just inches away from the government troops, the nuns and priests among them knelt down to pray; while other women offered flowers to the soldiers to convey peace.

And, did their act worked?

Yes. Not a single shot was fired. No aggressive physical encounter occurred between protesters and government troops. The soldiers accepted the flowers from the protesters. A defection among the uniformed men transpired. One by one, they came to the side of the civilians amid cheers and hugs.

The people’s intense prayers and massive presence apparently created a great impact on the whole event. Was it a miracle? Yes, it absolutely was! After all, Filipinos have been known to be deeply religious and have a strong faith in God.

Spectators and foreign observers never expected that the tension that had been building up for days would turn into friendships and brotherhood. CBS anchorman, Bob Simon, even said of the event: “We Americans like to think we taught the Filipinos democracy. Well, tonight they are teaching the world”.

Seeing that his clout had weakened, Marcos fled to Hawaii together with his family and cronies on February 25, 1986.

The day when the Marcoses left, there was jubilation. A strong sense of relief filled the air. After 20 years of being under a dictator, where freedom of speech was curtailed and other civil liberties were taken away, the Filipino people were free, at last! And most important of all, they were able to oust a repressive regime without shedding blood. Once and for all, the Philippines has shown the world that there is, indeed, a peaceful means to democracy. And they call it People Power Revolution.

How was People Power formed?

The assassination of Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., Marcos’ staunchest critic, triggered the outrage among Filipinos. This consequently led them to do outright civil disobedience. Demonstration after demonstration ensued. As a response, Marcos suddenly called for snap election on February 7, 1986.

Corazon Aquino, the widow of the assassinated senator, ran for president at the encouragement of the growing opposition movement. She ran against Marcos. And, as expected of Marcos who was an expert in deception and lies, the electoral exercise was filled with fraud.

This time, however, the Filipino people could no longer bear the injustice. Even the Catholic Church, through Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, strongly condemned the elections.

And so, on February 22, massive crowds from all walks of life and different age groups came out to the streets to air their grievances and discontent with the government. It was no longer a demonstration from the leftist or rightist groups. Rather, it was a demonstration of all disgruntled Filipinos who wanted change. They shouted, “Tama na, palitan na!” (It’s enough, it’s time to change).

In Manila, more than two million people occupied a stretch of Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) where they came face to face with troops and intimidating armoured vehicles. Other provinces, too, held simultaneous massive demonstrations in key areas. The series of demonstrations and vigils lasted for four days. Until Marcos and his family left on February 25, 1986.