Part 1 of 10 EDSA Formerly known as Highway 54 which connects several towns and major cities in Metro Manila and then later on renamed after Epifanio De Los Santos. Epifanio De Los Santos – is a poet, journalist and historian.
What is People Power? “A moment in Philippine History when we were as one nation.” “A sword against unwanted or repressive regime.” “A moral weapon.” “It’s proper use is peaceful, rational and organized.” Effects: 1986 – influenced other states to conduct a peaceful revolution East Germany – 1989 Czechoslovakia 1990 Soviet Union – 1991 Aftermath: After the 1986 People Power Revolution, there are still struggle in the government. 15 years later another People Power took place in EDSA to impeach a corrupt President Joseph Estrada.
Cause: Even though People Power influenced peaceful revolutions in other parts of the world, People Power itself is inspired by other events such as: Non Violent Resistance of Mahatma Gandhi in India Martin Luther King’s Civil Rights Movement in United States
In the 19th and 20th century the concept of People Power Revolution is a violent and bloody one.
In the 19th century several revolution took place in the Philippines as they struggle for independence against the colonization of Spaniards, Americans and Japanese. In 20th century the slogan power to the people is also used by Russians but also has the context of a violent revolution
STAGE ONE: Symptoms
The middle class is angry at the government. Ineffective management of the country leader is not doing a good job or lack of money in the government. intellectuals, who speak against the government.
A very similar event to People Power happened in 1970 – First Quarter Storm that is led by youth, students and intellectuals
It started when President Marcos delivered his State of the Nation Address* Marcos recently won his second term His first term is marked by violence Ex. 1. The Police batters anti-Vietnam war demonstrators 2. Muslim Soldiers were massacred 3. There were violence during the recent elections and a nd is allegedly rigged
January 30, 1970 Students marched down to Malacañang Palace to rally Riot police tried to disperse the demonstrators using a fire truck, later on there were gunshots, which killed a handful of protesters. After this incident more activist groups started to form – it was the first sense of people power
PART 2 of 10 Phase 2: Rising Fever
The middle class - escalation of anger rise up against the government cannot repress the rebellion A new government is created, led by the middle class. attempt to replace the old government
Students are forerunners of the demonstrations and protests. The priests and nuns organized the tenant farmers and poor people in the city to fight against exploitation and demolition of their homes. Teachers, lawyers, doctors and other professionals shared their knowledge Rich people also joined the revolution
After the First Quarter Storm… Government under Marcos has worsened 1. Economic and political crisis intensified
2. Downfall of stock market and the value of Peso 3. Inflation on oil, food, transportation fare 4. Unemployment
As a result protests grew larger and stronger. Military people raid the armor Jeepney drivers strike against gas inflation along with students Activists barricaded and occupied UP that served as home for the protesters.
May 1, 1971 – Labor Day Union and students marched together in congress and there was open fire June 1971 newly 1971 newly constitutional convention opened – tried to stop government as parliamentary* Marcos wanted a shift to Parliament system – unlimited times to run for presidency Present constitution they were only allowed to run three times * Bribed participants of constitutional convention to extend his term August 21, 1971 1971 – two grenades exploded in Plaza Miranda (now Luneta Park) at a political rally that are opposing marcos (liberal party) Senator candidates are one of the wounded as a result opposition won the sympathy of the people and 6 out of 8 seats in the senate Marcos suspended Habeas corpus* – arrested several activists without warrants Protests did not stop as well as a s the opposition party led by the senators Ninoy Aquino and Jose Diokno Later on, he was forced to bring Habeas Corpus on January 1972 when Pope John Paul II visited the Philippines
Martial Law - due to the recent bombing, Marcos declared that Philippines is politically unstable and must undergo a Martial Law September 23, 1972 Strength: Military Power Gave military excessive power Opposition Politicians, journalists journalists and activists were jailed and detained Newspaper offices as well as radio and TV stations were shut down Marches, demonstrations and strikes were put on a stop Any form of People Power is considered illegal *Parliamentary *Habeas Corpus – *Martial Law –
Part 3 of 10:
Initially, Martial Law brought peace and order Foreign investors starts investing in the Philippines Crime rate has decreased. Citizens did not have any experience with Martial Law and they saw it as a positive change. Marcos promised that it is to restore order and reform a new society
Later on people recognized some flaws Absence of justice, human rights violation and political prisoners. People who were against the government were detained Some were tortured and killed, detained women were raped, others were gone missing
People power became inactive Most people fear that they could be the t he next victim of the military dictatorship
Attempt to extend extend his power power Under the 1935 Constitution, Constitution , Marcos would not be allowed to run for presidency anymore Marcos made amendments* or changes on 1971 to allow him to be a dictator di ctator but was rejected This amendments or minor changes are again presented in 1973 This should undergo a referendum* or a general vote of yes or no by the Filipino People in order to be ratified
Why is 1973 a good time? Most of the politicians that are against him are detained Marcos has full control of the constitutional convention because of the Martial Law Until January 15, 1973 people who are not detained tried to convince the people not to support the changes that Marcos made in the Constitutional Convention.
Conspiracy Many people spoke against Marcos’ amendments, which made Marcos afraid that, he will lose. He changed the voting procedure, instead of voting yes or no, he ordered to conduct the election in barangay* levels through show of hands In the barangay the people were fooled and was wa s asked who wants to receive free rice instead of are they in favor of the changes in the constitution. The show of hands was shown in the newspaper and told that Filipinos willingly supported Marcos
Demonstrations Demonstrations and Protests back on track More than 2,000 urban poor people walked towards Malacañang as a sign of protest to the government Workers from La Tondeña (leading liquor company) conducted the first labor strike under the Martial Law. These involved 414 workers. As a result, Marcos was forced to lessen the prohibition of strikes. Student organization and publications were reorganized. Laws implemented by Marcos during Martial Law are questioned by lawyers Large demonstrations are replaced by prayer vigils People organized underground press to inform the people despite Marcos’ control on media Political prisoners went on Hunger strike Task Force Detainees of the Philippines was established by the Catholic Church to push for the release of political prisoners Demonstrations outside the country were done to get attention from different world organizations
Part 4 of 10 New People’s Army (NPA) - Participated in the armed revolution - Killed soldiers to gather weapons - They resorted to violence due to the soldiers who abused many citizens during martial law - Several catholic priest also joined the armed revolution
National Democratic Front (NDF) - formed an alliance with several several underground anti-dictatorship forces - In Mindanao, Muslims attacked the city of Marawi and Jolo right after Martial Law has been declared. - Military bombed and attacked the city of Jolo to push them back. - Muslims felt marginalized and deprived of their human rights
1978 Marcos in full control - Marcos successfully formed diplomatic ties with China and Libya, these countries are supporting communists and Muslim rebels - Nur Misuari, leader of MNLF signed a peace treaty agreement - Several leaders of the NPA had been captured and detained or had defected - Ninoy Aquino and other political prisoners had been sentenced to death
Legalizing his rule - Only thing left to do is make his rule legal, legitimate and undergo a democratic process. - Marcos agreed to hold a national election. It is the first election under the martial law. - Marcos promised a free and honest election although the people foresee this event to be a fraud and rigged. Opposition - The opposition decided to run for the election - It showed resistance to Marcos’ regime - The Opposition Party is called Laban and is headed by Ninoy Aquino who was still in prison. April 6,1978 (eve of the election day) - A new form of protest was organized and imposed a threat in Martial Law - There was a noise barrage in Manila wherein the people made noise using pots, honks etc. on the streets as a form of protest. - This is to show their support for the LABAN party candidates Results: - All the candidates under Marcos’ Party won the elections - If Ninoy Aquino won, it would mean he needed to be released from prison and this impose a threat which why Marcos rigged the election e lection -
People marched and demonstrated at the headquarters hea dquarters of the Commission on Elections The leaders of the demonstrations were jailed for two months but later on released without any charges.
Critical Collaboration: - The Catholic Church sticks to the policy of critical collaboration, wherein they criticize the dictator’s abuses but collaborate collaborate on the projects that benefit the people. - After the noise barrage, the Catholic Church became more critical and spoke up against Marcos headed by Jaime Cardinal Sin. These are soon followed by the artist; using arts, theater, film, sculpture painting et c. c. to expose poverty and corruption under Marcos’ regime.
