After the assassination of the opposition leader Benigno Aquino in August 1983,
more and more people joined the opposition movement. Under increasing public pressure,
Marcos called for a snap presidential election in February 1986. Aquino's widow Corazon ran against him.
With evident election manipulations, Marcos sought to retain his office.
In the face of such electoral fraud and the international attention given to it, Cardinal Sin
and the Philippine Episcopal Conference took a stand against Marcos and in support of Corazon Aquino.
On 13 February, the majority of the bishops issued a public statement contesting the legal
and moral authority of the Marcos government and calling for non-violent resistance as a duty of every Christian.
Military putsch
Encouraged by the appeal of the bishops, a portion of the army revolted. On February 22, 1986,
the Minister of Defense Enrile and the Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Ramos – both
long-time supporters of Marcos – publicly declared that Marcos had stolen the election and
that Aquino was the rightfully elected president. They barricaded themselves with a small group of
soldiers in Camp Crane on the outskirts of Manila.
The intervention of the Catholic Church: the “Rosary Revolution”
Fearing a violent escalation, Cardinal Sin used the Catholic radio station
“Radio Veritas” (Radio Truth) to appeal to the Philippine people.
Two to three million people responded, gathering together in the broad avenue leading to Camp Crane,
thus putting a human protective shield between the rebellious soldiers and
the approaching troops loyal to Marcos. Confronted with Rosary praying masses,
with priests, monks and nuns, women and children in the front ranks, the attacking
troops refused to move against the demonstrators or to fire upon them.
For two days and a half, the demonstrators held out under catastrophic conditions
– brooding heat, lack of food or adequate sanitary conditions –,
constantly in fear that Marcos troops would attack or that undisciplined individuals
might provoke a violent reaction. Prayer, hymn-singing and meditation gave them support
and strength to hold out.
Meanwhile fevered negotiations took place between the government and the opposition,
the rebellious military and the forces loyal to Marcos, the American diplomatic representatives
and Cardinal Sin.
After two and a half days, the greater part of the armed forces went over to the opposition.
Marcos was overthrown and the Americans brought him out of the country. On February 25,
Corazon Aquino was inaugurated as the new president.
