Fifteen years ago, February 1986 ,the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue, commonly known as EDSA was filled with hundreds of thousands of Filipinos with only one desire in their hearts, and that was to overthrow Ferdinand E. Marcos from presidency of the Philippines. They were victorious after a 4-day confrontation between the government and the military supported by a multitude of Filipinos stretching along EDSA who wanted to get out of Marcos' system.

Fifteen years later, January 2001, the most popular avenue in the country was once again filled by many Filipinos with the same desire to overthrow the highest ruler of the land, the president of the country, this time Joseph Ejercito Estrada. Like the first momentous event which happened in 1986, EDSA 2, ended after a 4-day vigil of the people, largely composed of the youth. As they heartily chant "ERAP RESIGN!", people seem to be really aware of why they were doing such things. People seem to know what they were fighting for and why they feel that way.

People Power, as most Filipinos see it, is the unity of the people bound by common objectives and goals, is something to be greatly remembered because it yielded significant reform in our system. Very embarrassing on our part to have two revolutions to take place in a span of only 15 years, but through these events, we have learned to fight for our rights,to put and end to oppression and to show that we are socially conscious and politically relevant.

The series of events was made possible largely by the "people power" phenomenon-the mass mobilization and public manifestation of a few hundred to several million people.*

The political uprising was triggered by the decision of the 11-senators to block the opening of the second envelope said to contain another Jose Velarde account. They did it. The No-votes won as it was formally announced by the Chief Justice Hilario Davide.

Few minutes after, the text brigade goes to work. Cellular phone users started receiving messages calling them to go out on the streets and fight for what they believed in. The Filipino people were outraged. Most especially after Senate President Aquilino Pimentel announced his resignation and said that he could no longer lead a group with no integrity and that doesn't fight for the truth and after seeing some of the senators cry because they felt that there was really something wrong with the system and an action must be done. *Henson Erlinda, The "People Power" Phenomenon

The people's cry were heard all throughout the Metro. People went out to streets and a few hours later the EDSA shrine was once again filled with people. That was the beginning of Erap's END.

Elite-based Analysis:

Even before the EDSA revolution started, people were ready to express their anger to the then president Erap after everything Chavit Singson, his so-called friend, revealed that he had personally given the president money amounting to almost 500 million. People were ready to collectively act , and all that was needed was a spark. No thanks to the 11 senators who voted "No" in opening the second envelope that was said to contain the most damaging evidence against Erap. Just like in the past people from all walks of life united and cried out for change, each group trying to fight for their side. From the poorest of the poor to the richest of the rich. However, it was obvious that these people were divided. The people who went to the EDSA shrine were consisted of elites and the people who are somewhat well-off and educated, while those who were at Mendiola protecting Erap were the masses. The division of these classes were greatly worsened because once again the rich/elites have "won".

Their being powerful and undeniable effect to the Philippines started almost a century ago. These elites play a central role in the country's political life. Even before, the elites took hold of the political and economic powers because they've got the money to be what and where they are right now. The Philippine politics as we see it ,is the alliance of rival elites who wanted to run the country. Our government at present is a product of the past rule of the elites. Even now, we still experience their hands through these what we call traditional politicians or commonly known as "TraPo". These Trapo are those politicans who were elected or who are in their offices not because of meritocratic service but because of appointments or relation to the past rulers.

Erap, now known as the most corrupt official next to the dictator Ferdinand Marcos, wanted badly to be considered an 'elite' and for his family to be dominant in the country that was why he tried his very best in hoarding and corrupting the people's money. He was never contented with what he had. This dream however was abruptly put to and end by the Filipino people who now knew what he is/was like, these however were backed and initially started by the elites/rich. They could never allow another greedy and ambitious man to rule and take everything that is for the Filipino people.

Singson, the friend who betrayed Erap for his own "good" and "for" the people can be considered as a rent-seeker. He revealed to the press the alleged kickbacks and involvement in illegal gambling of Estrada. His falling out from Erap's friendship was confirmed when the former president awarded the franchise of Bingo 2-Ball to Singson's enemy. This caused the governor to reveal what he knew and his one way of sour-graping. It was obvious that he just wanted to save himself from disgrace. But thanks to what he did, because without his revelations, it is possible that even up to now, Estrada is continually corrupting the people's money.

After the revelations of Singson, some of the president's economic adviser resigned, including Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala , a member of one of the richest and most powerful families in the country. That one event helped mark the start of Erap's downfall because his advisers and friends began backing out on him. If we would understand it deeply, Zobel's resignation was really a big help to the people. His choice of not supporting Erap anymore shows that he is intelligent although for sure, he also had his personal and selfish reasons.

Their resignation resulted to the devaluation of peso and more businesses were affected. The Makati district ,whose big lands are partially owned by the Ayala's were also affected. Makati workers, from small time to the executives had a big part during the revolution. Their concern was no longer confined to their building but were now for the betterment of the nation. With this, they joined the Filipino people in crying and voicing out their desire to oust Erap. They risked their work hours just to show their anger to Erap. These people obviously are under the Ayala's power in the city. Once again the rich have triumphed. The elites once again showcased that they have the authority.

But that isn't the end of the story because few months after, Filipino people were gathered to the streets to rally for Erap's resignation. The people who were at the Shrine were largely composed of elites/rich or those who have the money atleast. This shows that only those who have the money has the power. One may argue that that isn't so because there were also those who people who doesn't have much money, but generally speaking the people involved were those who are educated and moneyed. Just compare it to the people at Mendiola who were obviously paid by the ousted president.

Elites

According to Prof. N.O.M Gonzales, the "elite" refers to a small group of people who are holding directly or indirectly powerful positions of decision-making in a metropolis and who thus greatly influence decisions in the fields of society and government.

An elite family can either help the country to progress or be at conflict with the society. Members of these elite families can be an advantage to the advancement of the underdeveloped economy and traditional politics of the nation. They could either make or break a country. Elite families can also be seen as both object and subject of history, shaping and being shaped by the process of change as clearly defined by Alfred McCoy.

One example of this power-holding is Ayala's role as one of Erap's most important advisers. Everything that this family says matter to how the Erap administration will decide on certain issues. The elites are always asked for opinion because they could largely affect the county.

The most observable obstacle to economic and political development produced by this class are those decisions that favor them. Instead of thinking and working on for the betterment of the people, the elites tend to decide for their own good. One example is the way they decide with issues concerning with land and labor because they usually gear mainly in favor of the elites.

The weak position of the laborers and peasant as the positions of the elites continue to improve , is at the same time felt by the state. With the continuing power of the elite , the government continues to be powerless. Since the elites have the money and most of country's primary production depend on them, chances are, the Philippines' growth would largely depend on how these elites are doing with their businesses. The government could do nothing about the issues concerning the elites because they knew that the elites would always have a say on issues.

Most of the Filipinos in the middle and working class could very well think about issues being talked about in the Philippines. After knowing that Erap was really corrupt ,they eagerly supported their rich/elite employers in fighting and wanting for Erap's resignation. They believed that the state could no longer provide and attend to their needs that was why they just resorted to their rich employers for help and provision. Since the state was very weak, they remained to be under their employers control for they know that with them they are assured of their living. It was the people's choice to be controlled by the powerful elite families.

The Philippine state as we all know is already established but still the elite families capture control over the country's economy and politics. This only shows that the state is still weak and the elites are still in top. Since these elite families control the primary production in the country, own vast lands and corporations, and are connected to the government, it is really difficult to separate their power from the state. It is very inevitable for them not to be included in every of our national issue for they make up largely the country's income.

The elitist Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala's resignation together with his other colleagues in the Economic Coordinating Committee paved the way for other government officials to resign. It was to their judgement that Erap could no longer lead the country that was why they were calling on him to resign. It was a domino-effect characterized and started by the elites.

These high-profile Ayala-Makati executives/elites are very powerful on the economic and political level. They could do wonders to the society or could damage a nation. It is a known fact that many Makati businessmen and office workers worked collectively and cried out first to impeach and then eventually to oust Erap.

Administrators, other political advisers, municipal and provincial officials, and even senators has followed suit for resignation and separation from Estrada's group. That one brave act of the four advisers that was said to be elites, served as an inspiration to the many Filipinos.

With the break-up of these powerful government officials and advisers supporting Erap, his downfall was clearly seen from the very start. All it needed was another push.

Whatever is the decision of one of the members of a family, it is expected that others would follow or would also believe. In this case, there was a domino-effect. One's loyalty to the family was greatly manifested as they supported each other and the nation in ousting Erap. There was a great influence back there because of its effect to the nation. Just think of what would if family members would go against their family's decision and decided to be pro-Erap.

These people's decision to break out from Estrada generated the other Filipino people to feel indignation---and eventually this anger led them to the streets. Spending four days and four nights at the EDSA Shrine was nothing to them compared to the many years they would suffer if Erap would still stay in power.

It is indeed a fact that the elites/families could block the state from translations its nominal authority into social action* Judging from the People Power event, the elite families have done it again. * McCoy, Alfred, "An Anarchy of Families"

Many people have sacrificed their work and school days,money, sweat, and voices. Even the country's peso-dollar exchange rate was not spared from this political and economic crisis. A great appreciation to those few brave Filipinos who risked their names and lives for the future of this generation.