Filipino popular political movement began on this date in 1986

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.

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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.