Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA ) people power revolution is probably one of the most controversial topics in the Philippines. It happened year 1986 under the regime of former President Ferdinand Marcos where it has been the longest-standing debates in the Philippine history.
The country commemorates EDSA revolution every year on the 25th of February . This has been engraved in the hearts and minds of every Filipino. It was EDSA revolution that exhibited the true empowerment of democracy in the country. This is why the Philippine government has declared the 25th of February as non-working holiday.
And since February 25th is fast approaching, I have here some facts that you should know about EDSA people power revolution in the Philippines.
- EDSA People Power Revolution is known by many names such as “EDSA Revolution” named after what was then known as Highway 54, “Yellow Revolution” since Tie or Yellow Ribbon was the comeback song of Ninoy Aquino, “Bloodless Revolution” since it was actually the first of its kind in human recorded history and lastly it was also called “1986 Philippine Revolution” for those who want to toe the line.
- Former President Ferdinand Marcos had all media agencies closed right after declaring Martial Law in 1972.
- EDSA people power revolution was so-called bloodless revolution and was praised worldwide.
- After Ninoy Aquino’s assassination, yellow has been the color of the revolution. “Tie a Yellow Ribbon was Ninoy’s comeback song since he was then assassinated while walking off the plane, that’s why Filipinos used yellow as their symbol of rebellion.
- The “L” hand symbol means “Laban” or to “Fight” for people who were there in the revolution.
- The most iconic songs from the revolution were “Bayan ko” by Freddie Aguilar and “Magkaisa” by Virna Lisa Lobeiza.
- There were two monuments built to honour the event. EDSA Shrine also known as Mary Queen of Peace Shrine which was completed in 1989 and People Power Monument which was also built in 1993.
- It was on November 03, 1985 when President Marcos suddenly announced a snap presidential election, on year ahead of the regular presidential election schedule following his control over the country. Snap election was legalized with the passage of National Law No 883 by the Marcos-controlled unicameral congress called the Regular Batasang Pambansa. Corazon Aquino was a bit of hesitant to go against Marcos for the snap election. However, one million signatures of Filipinos was presented to her that encouraged her to make a decision.
- Corazon Aquino was not in EDSA during the entire revolution because she was in Cebu. She was conducting her own protests there that is why you should expect her to see in Cebu on that day or at least someone she has assigned.
- During the snap election, the official tally of the votes did not come together. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) declared that Marcos was the winner with 10, 807,197 votes against Aquino who has 9, 291,761 votes. While the National Movement for Free Election (NAMFREL) had Aquino winning with 7,835,070 votes against Marcos with only 7,053,068.
- On February 22 Fidel Ramos joined in a press conference in Camp Aguinaldo after being contacted by Juan Ponce Enrile and announced their resignations and defection to the opposition.
- During the revolution, Cardinal Sin was the one who led the Catholic Church.
- The only Radio Station during the revolution was Radio Veritas which covered events.
- However, Radio Veritas transmission tower was destroyed by the armed soldiers cutting off all news of the rebellion.
- Phone directories, which is yellow color were also ripped apart on demonstrations and were used as confetti during the revolution.
- APO Hiking Society and other performers staged mini concert during the revolution.
- Vicente Sotto composed the iconic songs during the revolution “Bayan ko” and Magkaisa” which was sung by Virna Lisa Loberiza and was latter sung during the funeral of senator Aquino.
- On February 25, 1986 there were two inaugurations happened.. Marcos was held his in Malacañang while Aquino held hers in Club Filipino.
- People wandered around and saw the luxury of Marcos after he and his family left the country. Reports said that there have been looting occurrences.
- And on the day Marcos and his family left the country for exile in Hawaii, Corazon Aquino was inaugurated as the 11th and first female President of the country
- Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), where the EDSA revolution took place previous names include North-South Circumferential Road, Avenida 19 de Junio (June 19 Avenue), Highway 54. Contrary to what most people believe, EDSA is not 54 kilometers long, but only 24.
- Two months after the revolution Jim Paredes composed the song “Handog ng Pilipino.”