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People Power: The Philippines EDSA Revolution of 1986

On Feb. 25, 1986 Corazon "Cory" Aquino became the 11th President of the Republic of the Philippines, after millions of Filipinos took to the streets in a “People Power" revolution (also known as the EDSA Revolution). The nonviolent revolution led to the departure of President Ferdinand Marcos, and was seen as a model for similar uprisings that occurred around the world in the following years, from the occupation of Tiananmen Square to the Fall of Communism and the Arab Spring. The B&W images are the original prints - developed in a hotel bathroom converted into a darkroom - transmitted back to the Inquirer by staff photographer Tom Gralish in January and February of 1986.

Maria Corazon "Cory" Cojuangco Aquino is inaugurated as President of the Philippines, Feb. 25, 1986. Holding the bible is Aurora Aquino, the mother of her assassinated husband, Ninoy Aquino. At far left is Vice-President Doy Laurel. An hour later President Ferdinand E. Marcos took a similar oath at Malacanang Palace, and later that evening, was transported out of the country with his family by American helicopters. He ended up in Hawaii, where he died in exile three years later.
Maria Corazon "Cory" Cojuangco Aquino is inaugurated as President of the Philippines, Feb. 25, 1986. Holding the bible is Aurora Aquino, the mother of her assassinated husband, Ninoy Aquino. At far left is Vice-President Doy Laurel. An hour later President Ferdinand E. Marcos took a similar oath at Malacanang Palace, and later that evening, was transported out of the country with his family by American helicopters. He ended up in Hawaii, where he died in exile three years later.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
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    Tom Gralish
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    I am a staff photographer concentrating on local news and feature photo stories with an emphasis on politics, history, and the arts.