SS 1C – Readings in Philippine History

009 – Speech of Pres. Corazon Aquino

Speech of Pres. Corazon C. Aquino
Before the Joint Session of the United States
Congress

Historical Context
 Proclamation no. 1081
o the formal document which
contained proclamation of martial
law in the Philippines by President
Ferdinand Marcos, that was signed
on September 23, 1972, and was
announced to the public on
September 21, 1972.

 Corazon “Cory” C. Aquino

o President

 Salvador “Doy” Laurel

 The gradual downfall of the dictatorial
o Vice President.
regime of President Marcos began with the
assassination of his political rival, former
 There was a rampant cheating and
Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. on
violence during the election that resulted
August 21, 1983.
in numerous casualties.
 The murder of Ninoy set in motion a series
 The official election canvasser
of events that destabilized the Marcos
Commission on Elections (COMELEC)
administration.
declared Marcos as the winner,
 Protest and rallies erupted in the streets of
 on the other hand, the final tally of the
Manila and other major cities in the
National Movement for Free Election
provinces calling Marcos to resign.
(NAMFREL) had Aquino winning.
 Philippine economy began to falter amidst
 This electoral exercise was marred by
the accusations of corruption by Marcos and
widespread reports of violence and
his cronies.
tampering of election results,
culminating the walkout of 29
COMELEC computer technicians to
protest deliberate manipulation of the
official election results on favor of
Marcos.

 The walkout was considered as one of

 Following the opinion by the US government
that he (Marcos) was losing the mandate of
the Filipino people, Marcos announced on
American and local television that he would
hold a snap presidential election.
 February 7, 1986 – snap presidential
election happened.
the early “sparks” of the People Power
Revolution.
 February 22, 1986
o Defense Minister Juan Ponce
Enrile and Vice-Chief of Staff Lt.
Gen. Fidel V. Ramos resigned
their post on Marcos’ cabinet and
are withdrawing their support
from his government.

JON 1
SS 1C – Readings in Philippine History
009 – Speech of Pres. Corazon Aquino
 The speech gave credence to the People
Power Revolution not only to the Americans
but to the world – that change was possible
through peaceful means.
 Five hours later, the House of
Representative voted, 203 to 197, in favor
of $200 million as emergency aid for the
Philippines.

 February 22, 1986

o A message from Archbishop Sin
aired over Radio Veritas (Radyo
Bandido) asking Filipinos to come to
the aid of the rebel leaders by going
to EDSA, between Camp Crame and
Camp Aguinaldo.

 February 25, 1986

o Corazon C. Aquino was inaugurated
as President of the Philippines at the
Club Filipino in Green Hills.

About the Speech

 The invitation to speak before the joint
session of the US congress was extended
to President Aquino seven months after she
assumed office – September 18, 1986.
 Cory’s Executive Secretary Teodoro “Teddy
Boy” Locsin, Jr. partially wrote her speech.

JON 2