Today in Ph History, Feb. 7, 1986, the Comelec conducted presidential and vice-presidential “snap” elections

On February 7, 1986, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) conducted the presidential and vice-presidential “snap” elections with incumbent President Ferdinand E. Marcos and former Senate President and Foreign Minister Arturo M. Tolentino running against the tandem of Mrs. Corazon C. Aquino and former Senator Salvador H. Laurel.

Mrs. Aquino, the opposition candidate for the presidency, was the widow of former Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr., who was assassinated at the Manila International Airport upon his return on August 21, 1983 from a three-year self-exile in the United States.

The then Marcos-controlled Batasang Pambansa proclaimed Marcos and Tolentino as winners in the presidential and vice-presidential race.

However, the opposition members refused to accept the poll results which they claimed as fraudulent.

Mrs. Aquino and other opposition leaders called for nationwide protests and civil disobedience against Marcos. The Filipino people, including church leaders, heeded her call and rallied behind her.

These series of events eventually led to the ousting of Marcos and the installation of Mrs. Aquino as the country’s 11th President on February 25, 1986 through the People Power Revolution.

Reference: Philippine News Agency

Source: kahimyang.com