| In February 1986, the People of the Philippines showed the world how to restore democracy peacefully and through democratic ways. After twenty years of enduring the iron-fist rule of President Ferdinand Marcos and his flamboyant wife, Imelda - a rule that made many coin the term, 'Conjugal Dictatorship,' our people showed their anger towards the actions of the dictatorship, and that we, the Filipino People, are the only ones who can decide the destiny of our nation. For four days, Filipinos from many walks of life went out into the streets - realizing the stolen victory won by the dictator in the Snap Presidential Elections - calling for the return of democratic institutions and the full respect of human rights. Backed by the influential Catholic Church and the final break of the military from the regime, the millions of civilians who flocked to EDSA - the Epifanio de Los Santos Avenue - did not stand by and allow blood to flow in the streets, stopping armed tanks and soldiers by kneeling in front of them, some raising up rosaries and bibles, holding up statues of the Blessed Mother and instead of hiding from the soldiers, they gave them flowers and offered them comfort and nourishments. Seeing the indescribable power of the people, the Marcos dictatorship finally collapsed, sending President Marcos and his allies out of the country and into exile, and with the people finally snatched their victory, installed the leader of the opposition, the wife of the assassinated ... |
