People Power Revolution 2023: Date, History, Facts

People Power Revolution Day is an important Philippine holiday celebrated annually on February 25. The holiday commemorates the demonstrations that occurred between February 22 and February 25, 1986. The aftermath of this revolution resulted in the overthrow of a dictatorship and the establishment of a new political order in the Philippines. Despite government opposition, the movement was internationally celebrated for its peaceful nature. Additionally, the revolution inspired other nations to adopt the same nonviolent strategy.

The background of People Power Revolution

Between February 22 and February 25, 1986, a series of peaceful demonstrations took place on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, also known as EDSA, in Metro Manila. These nonviolent protests occurred in opposition to the dictatorial and oppressive government of President Ferdinand Marcos. During his twenty-year reign, he instituted martial law, and the level of poverty in the Philippines skyrocketed. His rule was marked by violations of human rights, electoral fraud, and violence against the opposition.

The assassination of Senator Benigno Aquino, or Ninoy Aquino, as he was more commonly known, by the Philippine military was the primary event that sparked the protests. This act shocked the public and prompted them to take action. People from all walks of life gathered at EDSA for three days. Surprisingly, there were concert-like activities taking place. Priests and nuns led the congregation in prayer, and performers lifted the congregation’s spirits. During these events, members of the armed forces began to defect and disobey government orders. A military squadron tasked with attacking a civilian gathering at Camp Crane disobeyed orders and landed the helicopter on the ground amid cheers from the crowd.

Finally, on the morning of February 25, 1986, the widow of the late Ninoy Aquino was sworn in as President of the Philippines at a place called Club Filipino. In a symbolic gesture, her mother-in-law, the mother of Ninoy Aquino, held the “Bible” on which she took the oath of office. Marcos and his family left the Philippines at midnight and never returned.

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5 essential facts about the Philippines

When the flag of the Philippines is inverted, the country is at war.

The Philippines is the world’s fifth-largest English-speaking country.

To avoid offending, Filipinos prefer to say “maybe,” “alright,” or “let’s see” in response to an invitation or request.

From above, the Manila City Hall resembles a coffin with a cross.

Even though President Marcos died in 1986, his body was not interred until 2016.

PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTION DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	February 25	Saturday
2024	February 25	Sunday
2025	February 25	Tuesday
2026	February 25	Wednesday
2027	February 25	Thursday