An analysis of the assassination of former Philippine Senator Benigno Aquino on August 21, 1983 upon his return to the Philippines from exile in the United States. The assassination shows the desperation of the regime of Ferdinand Marcos, as well as unmasking its brutality. Schirmer predicts that it will increase the momentum for the democratization of U.S. policy towards the Philippines, especially the cutting off of aid to the dictatorship and the withdrawal of the U.S. military bases there.