Ninoy's ideas influenced peaceful 1986 People Power Revolution – ex-DILG chief

The People Power Revolution in 1986 was considered a trailblazer.

The peaceful revolution was praised all over the world and inspired other nations to fight for their democracy. American anchorman Bob Simon even commented: "We Americans like to think we taught the Filipinos democracy; well tonight, they are teaching the world." 

 

Rafael Alunan, who served as secretary of the Interior and of Tourism, attributed the event's success and general peacefulness to the ideas of former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. 

 

"The thinking of Ninoy largely influenced largely the peaceful power revolution," he said in an interview on GMA News TV's "News To Go" on Friday, August 21, the 32nd death anniversary of one of the most celebrated critics of former President Ferdinand Marcos. 

 

In a speech that Aquino was supposed to deliver upon his return from exile in the United States, he stressed he did not want chaos to ensue. 

 

"Kusa akong nagbalik upang makisama sa mga hanay ng mga nakikipaglaban para sa pagbabalik ng ating mga karapatan at kalayaan sa mapayapang pamamaraan. 

 

Hindi ko hangad ang sagupaan," he wrote. 

 

Alunan during the interview also recalled how the activists behaved during the People Power Revolution. 

 

"Iyong influence ni Ninoy, very strong. We wanted to beat the dictatorship peacefully," he said. 

 

Boiling point

 

Although the revolution was considered peaceful, Alunan pointed out that the Filipinos then had had enough of being under Marcos for more than 20 years. While Aquino's death was the trigger, the snap elections of February 7, 1986 was the tipping point.

 

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) declared Marcos the winner of the snap elections, but the National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) declared Aquino's widow Cory the winner.  

 

"When we were out there, we did not have people power in mind. It was just spontaneous combustion. Napuno na iyong tao after years of abuse tapos nagkadayaan pa during the snap elections. I think what made the people finally snap was that in the face of these brazen abuse and cheating, ginago pa tayo. They were still lying," he explained. 

 

To this, he left some advice for some current politicians. 

 

"The one lesson that I think all politicians should remember is that you may abuse the Filipino but only up to a point. Once you start insulting his intelligence, watch out. Magagalit na iyon," Alunan said. — Trisha Macas/JDS, GMA News