Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Filipino popular political movement began on this date in 1986
Listen
• 0:59
Photo date: February 16, 1986. The late Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos (C) receiving a kiss from his wife Imelda following his victory of the February 7, 1986 presidential elections, at Malacanang presidential palace in Manila.
(
AFP/Getty Images
)
The recent popular uprisings that have toppled governments in Tunisia and Egypt bring to mind another movement that began to peak 25 years ago today - and to evolve into the triumph of “People Power” in the Philippines.
Nonviolent demonstrations in the capital city Manila expressed years of discontent over government corruption and a widening gap between haves and have-nots. When Filipinos began to march and pray in the streets, Ferdinand Marcos had ruled the island nation for two decades.
He maintained near-total control over key areas of government, including the military and the treasury. Challenges to the presidential election in early February 1986 helped galvanize opposition to Marcos, who claimed a narrow victory.
Eventually, the protests involved 2 million people – and drove Marcos and his family into exile in Hawaii. After three days of intense demonstrations, Filipinos elevated Marcos’ challenger Corazon Aquino – widow of the slain opposition leader Benigno Aquino – to the presidency.
Support for LAist comes from
Democracy did not solve the society’s chronic problems. But the “People Power” movement did inspire activists around the world – including in Eastern Europe, where several Communist governments fell within a few years.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars. -
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
Best of LAist