Cory Aquino legacy
Historians and future books will always remember Corazon Aquino as one of those rare heroic personalities who have shaped our nation’s heritage and history.
Most presidents remain as mere footnotes in our history books after they have stepped down from their position. The drama and glory of the Corazon Aquino presidency is a rare occurrence in our national narrative. But even after her term, she remained as the principal force in our country until her passing away on August 1, 2009.
In one short term, she led a nation from oppressive dictatorship to a democracy. She managed the economy’s transition from crony capitalism to a market economy and allowed entrepreneurship to expand. She restored the freedoms which we now take for granted and made human rights once more a right and not just the privilege of the rich and the powerful.
She introduced personal faith and morality, as a basis of governance, to a political environment which considered materialism and pragmatism as the basic rules of politics. She willingly gave up power twice. The first time was when she presided over the writing of a new constitution which restored the powers of Congress and an independent judiciary. This was after a year of ruling through executive orders alone. The second time was when she decided not to run for president again, in 1992, despite the many appeals for her to do so.
Sometimes I am asked what I thought were the core values of Corazon Aquino that made her the icon of democracy all over the world. After her term ended 1992, President Cory continued to speak publicly on many national issued. She even led street demonstrations, reminiscent of People Power, to speak out on major issues like corruption and resisting Charter Change.
It is in one of her speeches where she reiterated her values. In October 1996, she was awarded the J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding. Here are excerpts from her speech:
“Authoritarian government is said to be the Asian formula for success. But we may yet prove that People Power can achieve, perhaps more slowly, but more lasting and more widely beneficial effects. Democracy, in the end is the best system for ordinary people. It is the only one that exalts them and unites them in peace across all countries of the world. One can believe in a dictatorship, a few in oligarchy, but only in democracy can the many, in reason, adhere.
I ended my term with less exhilaration but more circumspection than I began it. I realized that I could have made things easier for myself if I had done the popular things, rather than the painful but better ones in the long run. After all, in the long run I won’t be around to be blamed.
I could have invited the military to share in the government, rather than keeping them out and fighting them off to the disarray of the economy. But I was called to restore democracy, not divide up a country in spoils.
I could have put pressure on the courts when they favoured the enemies of democracy, but I felt that the best protection for freedom must lie in strong and independent courts.
I sued a newspaper for libel but never used my office to advance my cause. I lost the case.
I could have rolled back prices with a single word, but I would have distorted the painful wisdom of free markets which keep, it is alleged, economies on the right track.
I couldn’t adopt the ideal solutions proposed by those who had the luxury of a private life. Quite often, official actions were dictated by the pressing realities of the moment.
I could have rigged the 1992 elections for my successor. Instead, I directed the chiefs of the military to do the country proud by assuring a fair and free election, whatever the result.
Better still, I could have run myself. The constitutional limitation of a single presidential term did not apply to me. I had taken the office under the old constitution. But that limitation was a cornerstone of the new Constitution I had caused to be drafted and for which I vigorously campaigned. How could I serve as the first example of its moral violation?
June 30, 1992 was, therefore, one of my proudest moments of my life. I was stepping down and handing the presidency to my elected successor. This was what my husband had died for; he had returned precisely to forestall an illegal political succession. This moment is democracy’s glory; the peaceful transfer of power without bloodshed, in strict accordance with law.
As I left the Palace for the last time, the sentry at the gate gave a final salute to his Commander-in-Chief. With the exception of my predecessor, no President has been so deeply involved with the military as I had been. But there was this distinction between us. I had treated the military with trust and respect, and left it with honor. When the story of the many coup attempts against the young Philippine democracy is told, the treason of a few will be seen against the backdrop of the majority who held firm. They repaid my compliment with loyalty.”
Perhaps, the most remarkable thing about the massive public outpouring of grief and the long queues of mourners at Cory Aquino’s funeral was that it all happened 17 years after she stepped down from the presidency. During all those years, Cory was not just a former president. She was the moral conscience of the Filipino people. A grateful nation will never forget the heroine in yellow who became the icon of democracy and the Mother of People Power who truly loved the Filipino people. Young Writers’ Hangout for Kids & Teens on August 5 and August 19 (1:303pm/independent sessions). All sessions are at Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street. For registration and fee details text 0917-6240196 or email writethingsph@gmail.com.