On February 25, 1986, hundreds of thousands of people gathered in the streets of EDSA to continue the protest against a fraudulent election. These protests led to the collapse of the Marcos regime, a 21-year dictatorship fraught with violent oppression, fraudulent corruption, and a devastated economy. The People Power Revolution, also known as the EDSA Revolution or the Yellow Revolution, is famous for being one of the most peaceful uprisings in history. The movement, however, started from less peaceful protests. Student activists and political critics marched the streets to voice out their dissent against the administration’s tyrannical militant ruling and human rights violations. It results in detentions, tortures, and even killing.
Origins of the Revolution
The assassination of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr, Marcos’ biggest political rival and critic, in August 1983 sparked the growing resistance towards Marcos’ rule. After the 1986 elections declared that Marcos won against Aquino’s widow, Corazon Aquino, election officials walked out in protest against the results. However, NAMFREL, an accredited poll watcher, results showed that Aquino won the elections and that votes had been tampered with. Due to allegations of election fraud, the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines and US Senate condemned the election results. On February 15, Marcos was proclaimed by the COMELEC (Commission of Elections) as the winner and swore in his fourth term as president.
Meanwhile, the Filipino people asserted that Aquino was the true winner. Both Marcos and Aquino swore in as president in different venues. With Aquino calling for strikes and mass boycotts of businesses owned by Marcos and his cronies. The day after, Corazon Aquino held a victory rally and announced a civil disobedience campaign. A week later, on February 22, Cardinal Sin and Cardinal Vidal appealed to the public to protest against the controversial election results. Also encouraging more people to join Aquino and her camp. After three days of peaceful protests, the Marcoses are exiled to Hawaii.
Numismatics Honoring the People Power Revolution
Two notable coins from 1988 commemorate the People Power Revolution. The 10 peso coin from 1988 was a circulating commemorative coin that featured the coat of arms of the Philippines in front. Also a depiction of the People Power Revolution at the back.
The silver 500-peso coin from 1988 was a non-circulating coin that also featured the national coat of arms in front. In addition to the People Power Revolution at the back.
Distinct Banknotes
Meanwhile, two designs of the 500-peso banknotes honor Benigno Aquino. The 500-peso banknotes issued from 1987 to 2013 feature Benigno Aquino’s portrait. Also depictions of his career highlights as a journalist, mayor, governor, and senator at the back.
The latest design of the 500-peso banknote features both Benigno and Corazon Aquino. Also the EDSA Revolution in front and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. In addition to a blue-naped parrot at the back.
