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True Unity: Defining the PEOPLE in People Power

RENZ BAUTISTA

EDSA Revolution, which led to the toppling of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, still leaves a mark to most Filipinos. This significant event altered the course of our nation’s history and marked an avenue to begin a new era grounded in true freedom and democracy. It made headlines worldwide and showcased the unique resolve of the Filipino people. The event showed the definition of TRUE UNITY in the pursuit of truth, freedom, and justice.

The “sparks” of the people power movement started way before 1986. Aside from the autocratic dictatorship of the Marcoses and the implementation of Martial Law, the assassination of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino upon arriving at Manila International Airport from exile on August 21, 1983 became the catalyst of the revolution. The assassination incident led to people losing confidence in the Marcoses, thus triggering suspicions in the government. Defiance was observed among citizens, eventually leading to civil disobedience such as the nonpayment of taxes and a series of boycotts over publications and companies associated with the Marcoses.

In addition, one of the elements that incited the revolt was the results of the 1986 Presidential/Snap Elections on February 7, 1986. The elections were flawed as there are widespread reports of tampering with election results, fraud, and manipulation during the electoral process. As a matter of fact, 30 COMELEC computer technicians initiated a walkout to protest the deliberate poll manipulation to favor Ferdinand Marcos. In the succeeding days, COMELEC eventually proclaimed Marcos as the winner of the snap elections. 50 opposition members of the Congress also initiated a walkout as a protest. The Filipino people rejected the election results and insist that Corazon “Cory” Aquino was the true winner, therefore gaining more support from the masses.

The next building block used to initiate the massive movement was the call of Cardinal Sin over Radio Veritas to aid rebel leaders, Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile, and AFP Vice Chief of Staff Fidel Ramos. Cardinal Sin called for solidarity and support and wished for the avoidance of violence and bloodshed. Despite a chance of dispersal of the government, civilians still flocked to EDSA to show their support. Despite the revolution having no core leader, the movement was a product of the unity of multiple sectors: the mass media, the church, the military, and the people belonging to various walks of life. The movement is considered the highest epitome of democracy as the people are the true “leaders” and the catalyst for change.

The EDSA People Power Revolution was not just a revolution because of sympathy for a certain person. It is a movement that speaks volumes for the pursuit of freedom mainly driven by the PEOPLE. This is what makes the EDSA Revolution completely different from other well-known revolts in history such as those led by Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. May we remember the significance of how the people can turn the tides of our social and political landscape as what Ninoy Aquino said, “The Filipino is worth dying for.” This is what defines true unity, true people power. [R]