The people were oppressed
In 1965, Ferdinand Marcos became president of The Philippines through legitimate means and he promoted many good things in his country. He wanted more foreign investment to help the economy and he wanted people to be safe from the violent attacks of communists groups and Muslim groups.
Apparently in an attempt to provide more security, he changed the constitution, eroded civil liberties, and installed himself as president and prime minister. He oppressed the people from 1973 to 1986. He might have started with good intentions, but ultimately he used the military to keep him in power.
Other countries assisted in the oppression
Many countries, including the United States, helped the Marcos regime to survive. Instead of providing money and support to the Marcos regime, other countries could have helped the Filipino people by objecting to the illegal changes to the constitution imposed by Marcos in 1973.
Government-sponsored assassination
In 1983, Benigno Aquino (a political rival of Marcos) was assassinated. Because a committee found that the military was involved in the assassination, twenty-six people stood trial in 1985 for the murder; the government of President Marcos acquitted them all.
Fixed elections
Benigno Aquino’s widow, Corazon Aquino, ran against Marcos in a presidential election in 1986. When the government announced that Marcos had won, the people were stunned. They knew that their voice had been oppressed again.
Non-violent protests
Millions of Filipinos took to the streets in non-violent protest. In less than four days, Marcos was overthrown. Non-violence was and still is more powerful than oppression.
No looting
Following the overthrow, there was neither looting nor killing; the momentum of non-violence kept the peace after the oppression ended.
