“Someone who will stand in this place next year, may do better for I believe in the inexhaustible giftedness of the Filipino people.” – from the last SONA of President Corazon C. Aquino
Democracy allows people to determine their fate. Without democracy, a nation is reduced to acting out someone else’s script. And so history’s high points are marked by nations taking back from oppressors, be it foreign or domestic, what is rightfully theirs to author.
In 1986, the Filipino people, inspired and emboldened by the sincerity and courage of Corazon Aquino, took back the democracy that was taken away from them in 1972. Armed only by their faith and a firm belief in their capability to decide their own future, they faced down tanks.
Their valor and audacity proved that Mao’s famous adage on power was just another lie foisted by oppressors. Edsa established, once and for all, that power comes not from the barrel of a gun but from the hearts of the people.
Corazon Aquino understood power. From day one of her presidency, she knew that the power she held was not her personal property nor was it for her personal gain; she only held it in trust for her people. And she never betrayed that trust. That’s why years after she left Malacanan, Corazon Aquino continued to be loved, trusted, and heeded by the nation.
They never doubted her commitment to liberty and democracy. Whenever she took leave of her retirement to warn the people of threats to their freedom, they listened. And they went to the barricades.
In her farewell to the Filipino people, she said, “But while my power as president ends in 1992, my responsibility as a Filipino for the well-being of my country goes beyond it to my grave.”
Corazon Aquino did not shirk from that responsibility. She continued to serve her people even as she battled cancer. And when she became too weak to join mass actions, nakibaka siya through prayer. Kris Aquino recounted that her mother, on her deathbed, continued to pray for the well-being of her people.
Before she passed away, Corazon Aquino forgave her political enemies and she asked for their forgiveness. She held no rancor. Cumplida, she was a lady to the end.
Today, President Corazon Aquino will be laid to rest. She served her people selflessly and to the best of her abilities. A true servant leader, she showed us where the path to greatness lies. We cannot ask for more.
Rest in peace, beloved president. You have shown us the way. We’re going to be okay.
SOURCE: Life in Gloria's Enchanted Kingdom
6 comments:
I, really, am in doubt if the final sentence (title) is for the exPres. Cory or for us- the Filipino people...
In any case, it is very comforting! Nice one! o",)
Mga tatlo pang araw at "business as usual" na naman sa Pinas.
I wish that the death of a democratic icon would not entail another birth of a dictator.
"Edsa established, once and for all, that power comes not from the barrel of a gun but from the hearts of the people."
Not to dampen your beautiful tribute article to Cory but... it is both. Even with Edsa 1, Marcos could have survived "People Power" had the military not eventually defected to the opposition.
Edsa 2 is a clearer case, especially when contrasted with Edsa 3, that did not succeed despite the more massive crowds, simply because the military stayed "loyal" to "President" Gloria.
jesusa,
Was not edsa 1 a civilian supported military coup? Edsa 2 was different because it was a military supported civilian coup.
But the barrel of the gun didn't help honasan and company because they never got the support of the civilians.
Don't get me wrong. I fear guns as much as any other human being. But at the end of the day, it is heart, courage, that wins not guns.
@ manuelbuencamino,
Honasan? Are you referring to the 1989 coup?
Actually, I cited the 3 Edsa revolts because "People Power" was involved in the 3 cases, which I need to prove my point that people's support for a cause alone won't do. Edsa 3 did not succeed even if the crowd was actually more massive than Edsa 2 (more hearts and courage?) precisely because there was no military component.
My point does not really counter yours--just half of it. Actually, I just wanted to clarify where "power comes from"--guns and hearts. To win, any cause/entity needs BOTH people power and military support. Re the Honasan coup, yes, you're right why it did not win.
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