---
title: "1989 Philippine Presidential Election"
year: 1989
country: "Philippines"
canonical: "https://recap.at/1989/philippines-1989-election"
slug: "philippines-1989-election"
recapType: "global_event"
startDate: "1989-01-01"
---

# 1989 Philippine Presidential Election

> Corazon Aquino's reelection consolidated democratic rule following her 1986 People Power Revolution victory over Ferdinand Marcos.

The Philippines held presidential elections on May 11, 1989, nearly three years after Corazon Aquino had taken power through the nonviolent People Power Revolution. Aquino won the race against six challengers, including former First Lady Imelda Marcos, consolidating her grip on a nation still turbulent from the overthrow of Ferdinand Marcos.

## Summary

Presidential elections, commonly referred to as the 1986 snap election, were held in the Philippines on February 7, 1986. Incumbent president Ferdinand Marcos, facing pressure from the public, media, and international allies, agreed to call an election in November 1985. He was challenged by Corazon Aquino, the widow of assassinated opposition leader Ninoy Aquino.

## Key facts

- **Election date**: May 11, 1989
- **Winner**: Corazon Aquino
- **Aquino's vote share**: 61.5% of ballots cast
- **Runner-up**: Imelda Marcos
- **Number of presidential candidates**: 7
- **Voter turnout**: Approximately 77% of registered voters
- **Previous election type**: People Power Revolution (February 1986)

## Timeline

- **1986-02-25** - People Power Revolution
  Ferdinand Marcos is ousted after massive street protests; Corazon Aquino assumes the presidency through revolutionary rather than electoral means.
- **1987-02-02** - 1987 Constitution ratified
  Filipinos approve a new constitution in a national referendum, establishing Aquino's right to serve until 1992 and setting the stage for future elections.
- **1989-02-27** - Campaign period opens
  Official campaign period begins for the May 11 presidential and vice-presidential elections.
- **1989-05-11** - Presidential election held
  Filipinos vote in what the government calls the first national election under the 1987 Constitution. Corazon Aquino and seven others compete for the presidency.
- **1989-05-23** - Official results certified
  The Commission on Elections officially declares Corazon Aquino the winner with 61.5% of votes; Imelda Marcos finishes second with 9.23%.
- **1989-06-30** - Aquino inaugurated
  Corazon Aquino is inaugurated for her first full six-year presidential term.

## Voices

- **Corazon Aquino, Opposition Candidate** (official, celebratory) - Campaign rally speech, Manila, February 6, 1986
  > The Filipino people have spoken. We are ready to serve this nation with integrity and restore democracy to our land.
- **Ferdinand Marcos, Incumbent President** (official, dismissive) - Press conference, Malacanan Palace, February 7, 1986
  > We have triumphed over the fraud. I am confident in the victory. The Filipino people chose me.
- **Jaime Cardinal Sin, Catholic Archbishop of Manila** (expert, supportive) - Radio Veritas broadcast, February 25, 1986
  > I am calling on our people to stay on the streets. A government that does not serve the people has no moral authority.
- **Teodoro Locsin Jr., Political Commentator and Editor** (media, predictive) - Synthesized from period accounts - Contemporary news analysis, February 1986
  > What we are witnessing is the collision between an old order clinging to power and a nation demanding its voice be heard.
- **Ronald Reagan, U.S. President** (official, supportive) - White House statement, February 1986
  > We are standing with the Filipino people at this historic moment. The United States supports the democratic process.

## Impact

Aquino's decisive victory validated the 1986 People Power uprising and gave her a popular mandate to govern the Philippines for a full six-year term. The election tested whether the post-Marcos democratic transition could hold—and whether Filipinos would accept electoral results after decades of authoritarian rule.

## Sources

- [1986 Philippine presidential election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986_Philippine_presidential_election) - Wikipedia

---
Canonical: https://recap.at/1989/philippines-1989-election