CONTENT AND CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS: REVISITING CORAZON AQUINO’S

SPEECH BEFORE THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS

BONTO, YOKANJI
DELA CRUZ, MA. CANDY
DE ROJAS, KEITH OWEN
DIMARANAN, JOHN EDWARD
GABABAT, JOSEPH MELCHOR
MARIÑAS, JOANNA MAE
MAGAYANES, CARLOS GREG
MAZON, ROSELYN

BSIT-1A
GROUP4

READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

DEPARTMENT OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY-CARMONA
 MAY 2021

INTRODUCTION

The most wanted trait which democracy desires of a good leader is courage and
humility, not a dictator. As the citizens of the Philippines are experiencing a crisis from their
times of living, Filipinos would think about what standard and trait could have good president
should obtain in a purpose of handling people’s rights and show their worth on Philippines’
democracy during the presidency of Cory Aquino. Dictatorship or being dictated to do
something out of people’s comfort might lead to criticism.

Cory Aquino proposed her willingness to fight for freedom as her husband wished
against the presidency of Marcos. She was the first Filipina president during February 25,
1986 up to June 30, 1992, as she began her journey of presidency, it also showed the
significance of her triumph of democracy over Ferdinand Marcos who was the dictator of the
Philippines before her. ([Article from] Onenews,2019). Cory is considered a democracy icon
for continuing the fight against the Marcos dictatorship by her late husband, former senator
Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.

As she spoke her speech, she stated how many times she, together her children, lost
her husband, Ninoy, for the third time which lasted to his death. According to her, “And then,
we lost him irrevocably and more pain than in the past. The news came to us in Boston. It had
to be after the three happiest years of our lives together. But his death was my country’s
resurrection and the courage and faith by which alone they could be free again”.

She touches the lives of Filipinos countless times before when she was only a normal
person and a Housewife; She, being helpful and simplicity changes the heart of Filipinos
which was led to unify and managed to opposition against Marcos Dictatorships.” Her
personality contributed in no small way to keeping the fight against Marcos peaceful. And in
this, she offered an example to others outside the Philippines. The EDSA revolution that she
inspired in turn inspired people around the world to revolt against oppression. South Korea,
Thailand, Bangladesh, and the peaceful revolutions in Eastern Europe owe a debt of gratitude
to her. It was not a magical solution — the peaceful democracy revolts failed in Burma and
China — but it nevertheless ushered in a new era of freedom.” (Naumann, n.d.)

The last rites and the funeral combined all these elements — the institutional, the
political, the personal and the spiritual. It was her parting gift to the nation: she made us come
together as a people to reflect on what we owe the nation, each other and ourselves.
(Naumann, n.d.). As she became the first female President of the Philippines, Filipinos
 learned how to see their worth because of her democracy where people have rights
to choose leaders, it was held onto their hands depending on what they desire.

PRESENTATION OF HISTORICAL PRIMARY SOURCE

According to Escobar (2018), The speech was impassioned, deeply personal, and
effective; interrupted 11 times by applause and bookended with standing ovations. House
Speaker Tip O'Neill called it the "finest speech I've ever heard in my 34 years in
Congress." Senate Majority Leader Robert Dole told her, "Cory, you hit a home run." And
House Minority Whip Trent Lott said, "Let us just say the emotion of the moment saved the
day. “It would go down in the annals of our history as one of the former President's finest
speeches.”
Teddy Locsin, who is our now current ambassador to the United Nations, are the one
who penned and wrote the speech, it was written in the Philippines and delivered
approximately within 30 minutes in 2, 337 words in Washington D.C, U.S. Congress on
September 18, 19867 months after the EDSA revolution (Feb 25,1986) 3 years after the
assassination of Senator Benigno Aquino (1983). Speech was intended to tackle [1] To
declare the freedom of the Filipinos from the Marcos regime, [2] To mark a new beginning for
the Filipinos and to its government, [3] To appeal for financial assistance by informing the
Americans about the Philippines’ state. (Coursehero, n.d.)
Aquino wore her signature yellow suit, and nearly every senator and congressman in
the hall marked the occasion by wearing in his lapel a yellow rose--the color of Aquino’s three-
year protest campaign. Many of the lawmakers and Cabinet members present, including
Secretary of State George P. Shultz, also wore yellow ties. Aquino’s speech was interrupted
11 times by applause, and when she finished an address laced with personal references to
her assassinated husband, Philippine Sen. Benigno S. Aquino Jr., every member present
stood and applauded for three minutes. As Aquino weaved her way through the crowd of
lawmakers afterwards, shaking hands, several members chanted “Cory, Cory, Cory!” (Mark
Fineman,1986)
A BRIEF SUMMARY OF CORAZON AQUINO’S SPEECH BEFORE THE UNITED
STATES CONGRESS

“A president-turned-dictator, and traitor to his oath, suspended the Constitution and

shut down the Congress that was much like this one before which I am honored to
speak. For even as the dictatorship demolished one by one the institutions of
democracy, the press, the Congress, the independence of the judiciary, the protection
of the Bill of Rights Ninoy kept their spirit alive in himself. But the spirit of democracy
that inherits in our race and animates this chamber could not be allowed to die. He held
out, in the loneliness of his cell and the frustration of exile, the democratic alternative to
the insatiable greed and mindless cruelty of the right and the purging holocaust of the
left.”

“And so began the revolution that has brought me to democracy's most famous home,
the Congress of the United States. I held fast to Ninoy's conviction that it must be by
the ways of democracy. I was warned by the lawyers of the opposition that I ran the
grave risk of legitimizing the foregone results of elections that were clearly going to be
fraudulent. By the exercise of democracy, even in a dictatorship, they would be
prepared for democracy when it came. And then, also, it was the only way I knew by
which we could measure our power even in the terms dictated by the dictatorship. The
opposition swept the elections, garnering a clear majority of the votes, even if they
ended up, thanks to a corrupt Commission on Elections, with barely a third of the seats
in parliament. You saw a people so committed to the ways of democracy that they
were prepared to give their lives for its pale imitation.”

“The distinguished co-chairman of the United States observer team in his report to
your President described that victory: "I was witness to an extraordinary manifestation
of democracy on the part of the Filipino people. And true to their word, when a handful
of military leaders declared themselves against the dictatorship, the people rallied to
their protection. It is on that faith and the obligation it entails, that I assumed the
presidency. Again, as we restore democracy by the ways of democracy, so are we
completing the constitutional structures of our new democracy under a constitution
that already gives full respect to the Bill of Rights. As President, I will not betray the
cause of peace by which I came to power.”
“… Yet I will do whatever it takes to defend the integrity and freedom of my country.
These are only two of the many burdens my people carry even as they try to build a
worthy and enduring house for their new democracy, that may serve as well as a
redoubt for freedom in Asia. And here you have a people who won it by themselves
and need only the help to preserve it. Today, I say, join us, America, as we build a new
home for democracy, another haven for the oppressed, so it may stand as a shining
testament of our two nation's commitment to freedom.”
 BACKGROUND OF THE AUTHOR

María Corazón Sumulong Cojuangco, known as Cory Aquino, was born on January
25, 1933, Tarlac province Philippine. She was a Philippine political leader. Corazon
Cojuangco was born into a wealthy, politically prominent family based in Tarlac province,
north of Manila. She graduated from Mount St. Vincent College in New York City in 1954 but
abandoned further studies in 1955 to marry Benigno Simeon Aquino, Jr. When Ferdinand E.
Marcos unexpectedly called for presidential elections in February 1986, Corazon Aquino
became the unified opposition’s presidential candidate. Though she was reported to have lost
the election to Marcos, Aquino and her supporters challenged the results, charging
widespread voting fraud. (Kerri Alexander,2020)

According to Lotha (2020), High officials in the Philippine military soon publicly
renounced Marcos’s continued rule and proclaimed Aquino the Philippines’ rightful president.
On February 25, 1986, both Aquino and Marcos were inaugurated as president by their
respective supporters, but that same day Marcos fled the country. In March 1986 Aquino
proclaimed a provisional constitution and soon thereafter appointed a commission to write a
new constitution. The resulting document, which restored the bicameral Congress abolished
by Marcos in 1973, was ratified by a landslide popular vote in February 1987.

Aquino held elections to the new Congress and broke up the monopolies held by
Marcos’s allies over the economy, which experienced steady growth for several years. But
she failed to undertake fundamental economic or social reforms, and her popularity steadily
declined as she faced continual outcries over economic injustice and political corruption.
These problems were exacerbated by persistent warfare between the communist insurgency
and a military whose loyalties to Aquino were uncertain. In general, her economic policies
were criticized for being mixed or faltering in the face of mass poverty. Aquino was succeeded
in office by her former defense secretary, Fidel Ramos. (Lotha,2020)

Cory Aquino had 5 children in those 3 years together with her husband who had
become a prominent opposition politician, was jailed by Marcos for eight years (1972–80), and
Corazon accompanied him into exile in the United States in 1980. Benigno was assassinated
upon his return to the Philippines in August 1983. This event galvanized opposition to the
Marcos government. There are many Filipino who support Corazon Aquino therefore they
made Cory as the President and the first female President. (Tikkanen,2020)
 HISTORICAL CONTENT AND CONTEXT OF THE HISTORICAL PRIMARY
SOURCE

“A president-turned-dictator, and traitor to his oath, suspended the Constitution

and shut down the Congress that was much like this one before which I am honored to
speak. For even as the dictatorship demolished one by one the institutions of
democracy, the press, the Congress, the independence of the judiciary, the protection
of the Bill of Rights Ninoy kept their spirit alive in himself. But the spirit of democracy
that inherits in our race and animates this chamber could not be allowed to die. He held
out, in the loneliness of his cell and the frustration of exile, the democratic alternative to
the insatiable greed and mindless cruelty of the right and the purging holocaust of the
left.”

President Corazon Aquino points out the abuses of Marcos with his power and how
much he grapples with it. Corazon’s speech is mostly about how the Philippines have
recovered its freedom and what should be done next to repair the monstrosity that the last
regime had created in the economy, politics, and the society of the said country. There is
nothing can demolish their desire to put the country in a free and have its democracy, Ninoy
and Cory were still fighting for the bill of rights after what the greedy presidency did to their
home.

“And so began the revolution that has brought me to democracy's most famous
home, the Congress of the United States. I held fast to Ninoy's conviction that it must
be by the ways of democracy. I was warned by the lawyers of the opposition that I ran
the grave risk of legitimizing the foregone results of elections that were clearly going to
be fraudulent. By the exercise of democracy, even in a dictatorship, they would be
prepared for democracy when it came. And then, also, it was the only way I knew by
which we could measure our power even in the terms dictated by the dictatorship. The
opposition swept the elections, garnering a clear majority of the votes, even if they
ended up, thanks to a corrupt Commission on Elections, with barely a third of the seats
in parliament. You saw a people so committed to the ways of democracy that they were
prepared to give their lives for its pale imitation.”

People sent themselves into democracy for the freedom they have wished for a long
time. On Cory’s hand, they found a new home for her integrity and humility. Citizens of the
Philippines began the revolution against Marcos’s presidency because of the crisis. Cory and
her simplicity were never afraid as she warned by the lawyers of the oppositions, in that
showed integrity of hers, people got believed that she can do things impossible even there is a
big hindrance. She continued what her husband wanted for their home against the dictatorship
which tests their power and braveness to fight for the rights of Filipinos.

“The distinguished co-chairman of the United States observer team in his report
to your President described that victory: "I was witness to an extraordinary
manifestation of democracy on the part of the Filipino people. And true to their word,
when a handful of military leaders declared themselves against the dictatorship, the
people rallied to their protection. It is on that faith and the obligation it entails, that I
assumed the presidency. Again, as we restore democracy by the ways of democracy,
so are we completing the constitutional structures of our new democracy under a
constitution that already gives full respect to the Bill of Rights. As President, I will not
betray the cause of peace by which I came to power.”

Cory demonstrated such a strong display of democracy that everyone was eager to
encourage her throughout. Cory's faith carried her all the way to victory, allowing her to
achieve the democracy she seeks. She saw the strength and triumph of the people who are
working for her to achieve that victory.

“… Yet I will do whatever it takes to defend the integrity and freedom of my

country. These are only two of the many burdens my people carry even as they try to
build a worthy and enduring house for their new democracy, that may serve as well as a
redoubt for freedom in Asia. And here you have a people who won it by themselves and
need only the help to preserve it. Today, I say, join us, America, as we build a new home
for democracy, another haven for the oppressed, so it may stand as a shining
testament of our two nation's commitment to freedom.”

She has the right to be a spokesperson of the people who suffered under Martial Law
because her own family is a victim of it. As the president it is now her responsibility to be the
leading force of change that will uplift her people to the eyes of foreigners, asking for financial
aid and helping restore democracy by means of democracy.
 IMPORTANCE OF THE CONTENT OF THE HISTORICAL PRIMARY SOURCE

The Fall of the Dictatorship

The most prominent opposition movement that participated in the IBP elections was
the newly formed Lakas ng Bayan (LABAN) party of former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino
Jr., who was imprisoned at that time. Ninoy was initially apprehensive about running in the
election, but he decided to push through with his candidacy to give the populace a chance to
air out their frustration against the government. He campaigned from his jail cell, even
appearing for a 90-minute television interview. Ninoy’s candidacy inspired an outpouring of
popular support that culminated in a noise barrage on the evening before the elections. At
8:00 p.m., residents in Metro Manila took to the streets, making whatever noise they could “to
let Ninoy Aquino in his prison cell know that the people had heard his message.” They banged
on pots and pans, honked their car horns, and shouted their throats sore in support of Ninoy
and LABAN. However, the elections were a total shutout for LABAN, with Marcos’ Kilusang
Bagong Lipunan (KBL) winning 91 percent of the seats in the IBP. (base from the article of
GovPH, n.d.)

While the major forces behind the “people power” revolution were united by their
revulsion of a dictatorship and their commitment to democracy, immediately below these
headline ideals were deep rifts: a few were more “left-oriented,” while others were more
deeply committed to the “right.” This division presented enormous challenges to governing
and managing the transition. A key institution—the military—which had been badly corrupted
by the dictatorship, and which nonetheless played a key role in the final stage of the “people
power” revolution, insisted on its “rights” and prerogatives. It made several serious attempts at
“military adventurism.” (Base from the article of inquirer.net, n.d.)

Democracy

The Filipino opposition activist Benigno Aquino was assassinated on the tarmac of
Manila airport on 21 August 1983, moments after his return to the country to challenge the rule
of long-term president, Ferdinand Marcos. That was also the day Corazon Aquino stopped
being, in her words, "just a housewife". The woman once content to be in the shadow of
"Ninoy" became instead the leader of the democracy movement in the Philippines that swept
her to the presidency on 25 February 1986 and made her an inspiration to others around the
world struggling against tyranny. (coronel,2009)

It was a profound democratic moment in the history of the Philippines. Aquino brought
"Cory", as she became affectionately known to Filipinos, into the limelight and into a defiant
challenge to these realities. She united the opposition and ran for the presidency against
Marcos. She campaigned throughout the country, holding audiences rapt by recounting in a
flat monotone the story of her husband's homecoming and death. When she told Filipinos, "I
am like you, a victim of Marcos", there was silence and tears. Her story mirrored so many of
their own and her courageous expression of it released the potential for others to articulate
their hopes for change. It was a profound democratic moment in the history of the Philippines.
(coronel,2019)

EDSA People Power Revolution

According to Gov PH (n.d.) The 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution gathered
millions of Filipinos from all walks of life to march along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue
(EDSA), the main artery of Metro Manila, to end the dictatorship of President Ferdinand E.
Marcos and begin a new era marked by true freedom and democracy. This spirit of the
movement was not confined to Manila; it manifested through non-violent demonstrations
staged in different cities nationwide—it was a revolution marked by its peaceful means, led by
a nation united to reclaim liberty.

The events of February 25, 1986 altered the course of our nation’s history; it
showcased to the world the remarkable resolve of the Filipino people. It heralded an era of
peace. Over the years, we have continued to remember this momentous occasion by
honoring the sacrifices of all those who fought the dictatorship.

By virtue of Proclamation No. 1071, s. 2015, February 25, 2016, is a special (non-
working) holiday throughout the country in celebration of the 30 th Anniversary of the 1986
EDSA People Power Revolution—the movement that “restored our democratic institution and
ushered in political, social and economic reforms in the country.”

Philippines and US Relations

According to the journal of the global south (2015), The Philippines and the United
States maintain close ties that are grounded in a Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951.
Security cooperation has been a hallmark despite evolving dynamics in the bilateral
relationship, including a US colonial legacy that continues to cast a long shadow for many
Filipinos. While contentious politics and domestic limitations present a potential constraint on
the upward trajectory of the alliance relationship, there are indications that this expanded
engagement can continue beyond the Aquino administration. The paper examines the
condition of Philippine forces under President Aquino, the International Peace and Security
Plan to pursue a credible external defense capability, the process of security sector reform,
and matters pursuing a strong Philippine-US alliance.

According to the article from the U.S Department of state (2020), The U.S.
government’s goals in the Philippines are to strengthen democratic governance and support
Philippine government efforts to promote inclusive development and contribute to security and
development cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. assistance to the Philippines fosters broad-
based economic growth; improves the health and education of Filipinos; promotes peace and
security; advances democratic values, good governance, and human rights; and strengthens
regional and global partnerships Department of State, Department of Defense, and the U.S.

Agency for International Development (USAID) programs in conflict-affected areas of

Mindanao aim to create a sustainable foundation for peace and stability in areas at risk from
terrorism and violent extremism. U.S. assistance seeks to intensify cooperation through a
whole-of-government approach that supports a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States
has had a Peace Corps program in the Philippines for over 50 years.
 LESSON LEARNED FROM THE HISTORICAL PRIMARY SOURCE

Strict leaders might lead you to a right path or perhaps wrong, people have the right to
choose where they would belong for them to have their comfort. In this speech, which was the
primary source, this was the reflection of different personalities from different types of people;
shows their attitude from where they came.

This shows the braveness of the people and how clever a good leader should have to
obtain the freedom for everyone and could have the strong vision for the country's future.
Whose crisis management skills, wise appointments. Good leaders listen closely with the
goals of understanding others and being understood. Effective listeners gain access to a
diversity of ideas and potential solutions that otherwise would not have been generated. They
also strengthen relationships, build trust, improve teamwork, and show employees that they
care.

In this speech of President Corazon Aquino during the Joint Session of the U.S.
Congress she focuses about democracy and why we need it. According to her, we need
Democracy because of the increasing number of rebels, she also said that the poor people
needed democracy instead of giving them their essential needs. President Corazon Aquino
truly loves her country men and she is willing to help them and fight for the freedom and peace
of her country.

Filipinos are much braver after experiencing huge problems and always think about
solutions to make decisions clear which makes them free from harsh. This shows the
cleverness of Filipino in a way of making themselves grateful after the rude battle from martial
law; lucky to have the countryside whenever they want help from them, especially financially
and moral support to do things to make the country of Philippines wealthy. As the U.S helped
the said country to regain their strength as democracy began, it was everybody wished to
have their freedom.

People must be transparent and make wise decisions to win honor. One of the wise
decisions or initiatives was to pay the debts that Marcos had robbed. She also said that "in
giving we get, in losing we find, and in loss we snatched our victory," implying that there is a
reward for every action. She also said that Ninoy's death was a response to the Filipinos'
prayers, a satisfying sacrifice for independence. A selfless individual will always want to help
others. A selfless individual would always want to put others first and think less of themselves,
as shown by this section of her speech "I tell them I don't know how to depose a tyrant or
create democracy. All I would say is that you forget about yourself and focus on your loved
ones. It is always the people who bring things to fruition." This suggests that there is no magic
or secret formula to deposing Marcos. She did this by focusing hard on what would benefit
others and thinking less about herself. The People Power Revolution gained legitimacy thanks
to Cory Aquino's speech, which demonstrated to not only Americans but the rest of the world
that change could be achieved without violence.
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