His assassination led to the downfall of the tenth president, dictator, and kleptocrat Ferdinand Marcos, which ultimately resulted in the People Power Revolution on February 25, 1986.

Since 2004, a commemoration ceremony is traditionally held that was attended by presidents Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Fidel V. Ramos and Benigno Aquino III.

After suffering from a heart attack in March 1980, he and his family moved to the United States for medical treatment, eventually leading to his self-imposed exile for about three years.

It requires an EDSA People Power Commission (EPPC) to hold activities in observance the day and shall be funded from the Budget of the Office of the President and from private donations.

[2] A commemoration ceremony was held at the People Power Monument in Quezon City, which was attended by Presidents Arroyo and Aquino with her family, and government officials such as members of the cabinet, top police, and military brass.