People Power in Pink

In 1986, the Yellow Revolution ended the 20-year dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos, but more than three decades later, the Pink Revolution could not prevent the return of the Marcos dynasty

When it comes to the colourful politics of the Philippines, there's never a dull moment. Crowded with powerful dynasties, passionate activists, and vocal voters, the political landscape is complex, messy, and vibrant.

It's been over 35 years since a yellow tsunami swept the Philippine capital Manila as People Power finally dethroned Ferdinand Marcos and his controversial wife Imelda. Marcos' two-decade rule as the 10th president of the Philippines was marked by rampant corruption, brutal treatment of political opponents, and human rights abuses. But it was the assassination of longtime political opponent Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. in 1983 - widely believed to have been ordered by Marcos, though never proven - which would provide the spark for the Yellow Revolution that would remove the dictator and sweep Aquino's widow Corazon to the presidency.

Fast-forward to 2022 and the yellow ribbons of the People Power Revolution were replaced by a sea of pink T-shirts bearing a relatively new name in Philippine politics: Leni Robredo. Having announced her bid for the presidency in early October 2021, Robredo later told her supporters in a video message: "We still have a long journey ahead. That is why I ask you: Show that pink is not just a colour, it's a way of life; it's not just a colour of clothing or ribbon, it's the colour of a personality that is open, listening, and loving... Pink is the colour of the future and love will bring us there." By the following February, Robredo's campaign had adopted the pink rose flower as its official symbol.

SOCIAL ACTIVISM TO POLITICS