Republic of the Philippines

LEYTE NORMAL UNIVERSITY

Tacloban City

President Corazon Aquino’s

Speech before the U.S.
Congress

In partial fulfillment of the requirements in

GE 102: Readings in Philippine History

Presented to:
Allen B. Parena, LPT
Faculty, Secondary Education Department

Presented by:
Lirom, Jona O.
Macasa, Armie L.
Maglahus, Machaiaj Razzel D.
Nivera, Rana Mae S.
Nogar, Jo Daniel D.
Novilla, June Gabriel
Ogabar, Marianne Rosette R.
Ortazon, Jhune Paul
Tuesday and Friday 7:30-9:00 A.M.
BSTM MT1-1
I. Background of the Author:

The document is authored by Her Excellency Corazon C. Aquino,

a prominent individual who was born on January 25, 1933, and
passed away on August 1, 2009. From 1986 until 1992, she
occupied the esteemed role of President of the Philippines. Corazon
Aquino was from a distinguished lineage and entered into
matrimony with Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. on the 11th of October,
1954. Ninoy's political attitude garnered significant recognition on a
broad scale. Regarding her educational background, she undertook
language studies at the prestigious College of Mount Saint Vincent
located in New York City. The individual achieved graduation in the
year 1953. Prior to embarking on a political career, her primary
emphasis revolved around the provision of familial care.
Nevertheless, with the killing of her spouse in 1983, she became a
prominent role in spearheading the opposition movement against
President Ferdinand Marcos. In 1986, the individual in question
assumed the position of President of the Philippines. Corazon
Aquino is highly acknowledged for her significant role in effecting
transformative change within the nation.

In September of the same year, Corazon Aquino also read a

speech to the whole world announcing the freedom of the
Philippines from the unruly dictatorship of former President
Ferdinand Marcos Sr. who was deposed from his position as
President. Her speech was delivered in Washington, District of
Columbia, during a joint session of the US Congress. This speech
became the talk of most news outlets since it contained information
about the dictatorship of the deposed President. This speech then
became one of the most important historical pieces that entails
what happened during that era.
 By critically analyzing the primary source we can tell that the
author which is the former President Corazon Aquino was able to
use her personal experiences and her point of view in writing and
delivering her speech to her audience. The content of the speech
was about her paying homage to her late husband who was
executed and she was also paying her gratitude towards the Filipino
people at that time who risked their lives in order for the Philippines
to achieve its desire for true democracy.

As a person who personally experienced the said event, she was

able to convey what she was feeling in her speech. She described
how she lost her husband three times and how she felt at her
lowest during these times. She also described how her husband and
many other government officials were treated by the former
dictator. She expressed sorrow, gratitude, love, and pity. These
emotions and experiences affected the document in a way that an
individual could feel what the author was going through and feeling
at that time. The document portrayed a sense of authenticity and
genuineness. Even by just reading it we are able to instantly point
out what the author’s intent was.

II. Historical Context of the Document:

 In 1972, the Philippine Constabulary-Metropolitan Command

(PC-METROCOM) arrested opposition senator Benigno Aquino
Jr. and others who advocated for democracy, marking the
second loss of his life. Aquino was returned to Fort Bonifacio
in 1973 and faced a Military Tribunal on charges of murder,
unlawful possession of firearms, and subversion. He was
imprisoned in a small, airless cell and threatened with a
midnight execution. The authorities refused to inform his
 family for 43 days. In 1983, Aquino embarked on a journey
from Boston to Los Angeles, passing through Singapore, Hong
Kong, and Taiwan. The Taiwanese government was not
obliged to cooperate with Marcos' regime's goal of keeping
Aquino away from Manila. On August 21, 1983, Aquino urged
international journalists to have their cameras ready for the
assassination of Aquino. The assassin's gunshot killed him
shortly after the jet landed, and Cory Aquino departed
America to bury her husband.

 In May 1984, new parliamentary elections were held, with

opposition parties claiming 58 of the 183 available seats
despite widespread charges of election fraud. Corazon had
publicly endorsed all of the opposing party candidates.
Despite a lack of political experience, Corazon Aquino said she
would consider running against Marcos if 1 million signatures
urging her to enter the race had been collected. Former
newspaper owner Joaquin Roces, 72, reported that his group
had received 1,005,882 signatures as of 6:35 p.m. Monday,
in favor of her candidacy. The result of the election is that
Mrs. Corazon Aquino was elected as the new President and
Mr.Salvador Laurel as the Vice-President of the Philippines.

 Aquino declared a provisional constitution in March 1986 and

soon after created a panel to write a new constitution. She
failed to implement significant economic or social reforms,
and her popularity dwindled as she faced ongoing protests
against economic injustice and political corruption. These
issues were worsened by the ongoing conflict between the
communist insurgency and a military whose allegiances to
Aquino were unclear. In general, her economic policies were
criticized for being inconsistent or shaky in the face of
 widespread poverty. Fidel Ramos, Aquino's former defense
secretary, took over as President. Following the passage of
the new Constitution, senators and congress were elected that
same year and local elections were held in 1988.

 President Aquino and President Reagan discussed efforts to

strengthen the democratic institutions of the Philippines but
faced challenges such as a $26 billion foreign debt, a
communist insurgency, and a lack of export revenues. Aquino
was devastated by the country's two decades of social and
political oppression, and President Reagan assured her that
America would support her efforts. The Filipino people face a
communist insurgency and a lack of export earnings,
highlighting the country's struggles for democracy.

President Corazon Aquino's speech during the Joint Session

of the U.S. Congress on September 18, 1986, was delivered at a
critical juncture in Philippine history. Understanding the historical
context is essential to grasp the impact on the author's
motivations and the message conveyed in the document.

People Power Revolution

In 1986, the People Power Revolution in the Philippines

had just been successful in toppling the dictatorial rule of
Ferdinand Marcos. After a turbulent period of political unrest and
violence, Aquino took office, marking a significant turning point
in Philippine history. Aquino was inspired by this situation to look
for international assistance and solidarity in order to stabilize her
nation.
U.S.-Philippines Relations

A crucial factor was the historical connection between the

Philippines and the United States. With its colonial authority and
backing of the Marcos government, the United States has a long
history of involvement in the Philippines. Aquino's address
emphasized democratic values and shared interests in an effort
to refocus and fortify this connection.

Democratic Values and Human Rights

Aquino's message was also affected by the Cold War's

global setting, as well as by American commitment to advancing
democracy and human rights. She made an appeal to the United
States in an effort to align herself and her new government with
these ideals. Congress seeking support and acceptance as an
authorized democratic leader.

Regional Stability

The stability of the Philippines was essential to the stability

of Southeast Asia as a whole. The speech addressed local issues
and emphasized the Philippines' contribution to regional peace
and security. This geopolitical significance impacted Aquino's
request for American assistance.

Overall, President Corazon Aquino's address was greatly

influenced by the historical setting of the People Power
Revolution, U.S.-Philippines relations, democratic values, and
regional stability. She called for help, affirmed democratic
values, and emphasized the value of Philippine stability for both
her country and the larger Southeast Asian region. The speech
 was a calculated ploy to win over the world and increase the
legitimacy of her rule there.

III. Content Presentation and Analysis:

The delivery of events in the speech was in a chronological

manner. By critically studying the document we can identify that
the author was formal in writing her speech. It was evident in the
words she used, the way she talked about the issue and the way
she addressed different people. This was necessary since she was
giving the speech in front of the whole world and as the current
President at that time she had to set an example. She had to
establish her own persona.

Then the way she delivered the speech was through

narratives and she was able to give justice to her speech. She
presented the speech with authenticity and genuine emotions that
established great character. First, she cited the death of her late
husband Ninoy Aquino, she then told how the Filipino people were
by her side in achieving democracy and freedom, until her
presidency, which is evidence of the speech being chronological.
Based on the readings there were multiple elements included
namely; storytelling, reflection on history, and political statements.
These elements, structure, and format contributed to a great result.
It made the speech persuasive and informational. It also helped in
making the speech convey the message successfully.

From the audience’s point of view, it gives extra clarity since

it's a primary source that was written with formality and
conciseness. It gives the listeners a clear understanding of what the
speaker wants to tell the people.
 The details of how the author's husband Ninoy suffered from
being imprisoned to how he retaliated against the government, fighting
for freedom, until his demise. It is also noted in the article how the
author, then President Corazon Aquino, fought for the freedom that her
husband gave his life for and how she was able to take power from the
government with the help of the Filipino people.

The Philippine government back then, as per the article, was a

dictatorship, where they would imprison people who defied the
government, destroy institutions, and take the people's freedom. The
author also wrote how cruel the government was to her husband, and
gave details of his detention. She also indicated that after her
husband's demise, she had to take the responsibility of fighting for
democracy, amidst all the chaos and fraudulent election. She won with
the help of the people and gained the freedom that they fought for.
She also indicated that she then passed the Bill of Rights and restored
a full government constitution where there would be both local and
national elections. She also wrote about how the Philippines had
billions in debt, left by the previous government that did not benefit
the people. There was also an indication of how the new government
had talks with foreign governments to strengthen our ties and how we
got little help but eventually were able to work on the ranks of the
government to clean up all the corrupt officials from the previous
government.
IV. Contribution and Relevance of the Document in
Understanding the Grand Narrative of Philippine History:

The speech of President Corazon Aquino during the joint

session of the U.S. Congress fits into the broader narrative of
Philippine history as it gives us an insight into how the revolution
began and brought democracy back into the country. It entails how
democracy was achieved under the most difficult of circumstances
and restoring full constitutional government. This remarkable
document not only serves as a source of inspiration to the modern-
day Filipino revolutionaries but also offers profound insights into the
arduous journey towards freedom, amidst relentless resistance from
the annals of history. Moreover, it sheds much-needed light on the
veritable chronicles of the bygone era of Ninoy Aquino, revealing
the intricacies of his time. Impeccably, it meticulously delves into
the burden of debt inherited by the former government, preceding
the reign of Corazon Aquino. Furthermore, this compelling discourse
impeccably illustrates the metamorphosis from a despotic regime to
a democratic governance, permeating all aspects of society, from
the highest echelons of power to the very fabric of laws, order, and
regulations. It profoundly elucidates the myriad challenges faced by
Corazon Aquino upon assuming the mantle of presidency, most
notably the pervasive issues of poverty and unemployment.

It illuminates the matter of President Marcos' proclamation of

martial law, a decision that led to numerous violations of 'Human
Rights'. As stated by Pantoja (2014), Corazon Aquino, in her
address, masterfully illustrates the interconnected web of disastrous
events that unfolded in the Philippines during the martial law era.
With great finesse, she implores the audience to fortify the
unwavering commitment of the Filipino people, despite the myriad
challenges they have endured and continue to face. This serves as
the crux of her argument, a compelling reason why the American
nation should extend financial assistance to a country that valiantly
fought for its own freedom.

The former president Corazon Aquino's speech provides us

with insights into the Filipino people's struggle for freedom and how
past acts of steadfast resistance have influenced present Filipino
revolutionaries. Additionally, it clarifies what actually occurred when
Ferdinand Marcos was president. The challenges the Aquinos
underwent to aid the Philippines in achieving freedom are detailed
in the document. The preceding administration before Cory Aquino's
administration's debt was also referenced in the text. This lecture
also demonstrates how a dictatorship can become or transform into
a democratic system of government. From its Presidential laws,
orders, and regulations. The paper also made reference to Ninoy
Aquino's murder as well as the terror of torture and imprisonment
under Martial Law. It highlighted the great trauma that the Filipino
people underwent that is hoped to never be repeated.
V. References

Speech of President Corazon Aquino during the Joint Session of the U.S. Congress,
September 18, 1986 | GOVPH. (1986b, September 18). Official Gazette of the Republic of
the Philippines.
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1986/09/18/speech-of-president-corazon-aquino-
during-the-joint-session-of-the-u-s-congress-september-18-1986/

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2023, September 7). Corazon Aquino |

Biography & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Corazon-Aquino

President Corazon Aquino before the US Congress http://rtvm.gov.ph

Speech before the joint session of the United States Congress - Sept. 18, 1986. (2017,
March 21). Archives of Women’s Political Communication.
https://awpc.cattcenter.iastate.edu/2017/03/21/speech-before-the-joint-session-of-the-
united-states-congress-sept-18-1986/

Gonzaga, A. (2022). Analysis of the Speech of Cory Aquino During THE US Congress.
https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/sti-college/accountancy/analysis-on-the-speech-
of-cory-aquino-during-the-us-congress/16218081

EDSA PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTION - Amnesty Philippines. (2022, July 22). Amnesty
Philippines.
https://www.amnesty.org.ph/2022/07/protestph-edsa-revolution/

Telen, N. (2023, February 24). TIMELINE: EDSA People Power Revolution 1 - Toppling
a dictator.
https://amaranth.vsu.edu.ph/feature/26-people-events/433-timeline-edsa-people-power-
revolution-1-toppling-a-dictator

Montes, B. (2021, May 24). A Short Analysis on Speech of President Corazon Aquino
during the Joint Session of the U.S. Congress, September 18, 1986. Perspectives on
Political and Societal Issues, and Philosophical Insights.
https://beejaymontes.wordpress.com/2021/05/06/short-analysis-on-speech-of-president-
corazon-aquino-during-the-joint-session-of-the-u-s-congress-september-18-1986/