If Only He's Alive

Tomorrow, August 21, we remember the day Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino was shot in broad day light at the Manila International Airport. For those who were not lucky to witness the infamous assassination, that day change the whole complexion of the Republic of the Philippines.

Ninoy was not afraid to face his expected death. Sensing danger he told the slew of reporters accompanying him in his flight to “ready your cameras because this action can become very fast.... 3, 4 minutes and it’s over, and I may not be able to talk to you again after this”. To cut the long story short, his death paved the way for his widow Corazon Aquino to annex the highest position in the country. She was catapulted into power in 1986 via Edsa Revolution. Cory finished her 6 year term without any stain of corruption or abuse of power. The couple epitomized what the Filipino people are looking for in a leader. I remember reading a book about former U.S. President Harry Truman, whom I can described as one of the most simple and down to earth person history has ever recorded. During his term, he was invited by different corporations to be part of them but politely declined saying, “You don’t want me, but my office”. When he turned over his presidency to Eisenhower, he left boarding his car with his wife and went back home without any escort. His lone house was his only home for his entire life except during the time he was in the White House. What’s more fascinating about Truman is that when he left office his only money is his pension in army amounting to $ 112 a month.

This is exactly the opposite of former President Ferdinand Marcos who was reported to own mansions at Long Island, New York plus several high rise buildings in 5th Avenue, Manhattan. Joseph Estrada’s hidden wealth was documented by different sectors in the society who wants to divulge the true color of the man who proclaimed himself as the Darling of the Masses. Now, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was in the headlines again as her net worth increased dramatically during her term as President.

In my own opinion, there will never ever be another Ninoy Aquino. His love for his country and his fellowmen were boundless. Even though he saw his death coming, he still insists to step his foot back in the Philippines to free us from the hands of the dictator. He will always be remembered for his famous quote “Filipinos are worth dying for”. Unfortunately, the present administration retaliates saying “Filipinos are worth dining for”. Tsk,tsk,tsk, only if Ninoy is alive.

Time of Depression

It’s half of August already and I only have one (1) post here on my blog site. This is one of my busiest months particularly in my work. A hazardous month for me indeed! Add to my worries are my personal problems I had to face, a serious one at that. The condition of my auntie gave me so much pain. But I’m still optimistic that everything will be back to normal. So to my avid followers, if there’s any, just keep in touch. Thanks!

Cory Legacy, Philippine Democracy

I was barely 9 yrs. old when the historic People Power happened in February of 1986. I was not fully aware of what was transpiring but the picture of army tanks, priests and nuns carrying rosaries and people marching to Malacanang palace were still very vivid on my mind. Several days after, Corazon Cojuangco Aquino took her oath and became the 11th President of the Republic of the Philippines and in the process became also the first lady President in Asia.

I can describe Cory Aquino as an ordinary person facing an extra ordinary challenge. Without any political background so to speak, how can she handle the country still fresh from the authoritarian leadership of Ferdinand Marcos? From Times Street to Presidential seat. From Ninoy’s shadow to executing the law. From being just a plain house wife to the highest position in the nation. Corazon Aquino defies all odds.

Her six year reign had its share of ups & downs. From 1986- 1989, Aquino faced 7 failed coup d’ etat aimed to overthrow her administration. Disasters like the MV Dona Paz sinking, 1990 Luzon Earthquake, 1991 Pinatubo eruption and Ormoc tragedy which kills 6, 000 people marred her last two years in the office. It was also during her term that brown-outs became sporadic. Despite all of these problems President Aquino faced, she received widespread recognition from all over the world. She became TIME magazines Woman of the Year in 1986. She also delivered a speech before a joint session in United States Congress which was interrupted by applause several times. She also suspended the 1973 Constitution that paved the way to the “Freedom Constitution” & the “1987 Constitution”. She also promulgated two legal codes, the Family Code of 1987 and the Administrative Code of 1987. She also signed to law the Local Government Code in 1991. CARP was also enacted to law during the 8th Congress.

Despite being unconscious of the Edsa Revolution I’m still fortunate to witness the legacy of the mother of democracy. Her husband, Ninoy Aquino once said that “Filipinos are worth dying for” Cory replied by saying” Filipinos are worth living for”.

Thank You Cory Aquino. You'll forever be remembered!