This is part of the podcast series produced by the PCIJ in 2006 to mark the 20th year of the 1986 People Power. Check our page Remembering Edsa here.
'Our leaders are more preoccupied with appearing popular and democratic without doing the reforms'
He was a Marcos's defense minister, but Enrile and his men had been plotting to oust the strongman since 1982. Their attempt to finally attack Malacañang and take over power in February 1986 was found out, however, forcing them to retreat and make a last stand at Camp Aguinaldo. The failed coup turned into a successful popular uprising, thanks to the support of the Roman Catholic Church and mainly middle-class Filipinos. Enrile was on his third Senate term when he was interviewed for this podcast series. He still regretted handing over power to Cory Aquino in 1986, saying the country needs strong, visionary leaders.
Photographs by Lilen Uy
Podcasts by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism
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— PCIJ, February 2022