CORAZON AQUINO POLITICS AND ADMINISTRATION

(1986-1992)

Corazon Aquino, known as "Cory" Aquino, was the 11th President of the Philippines, serving
from 1986 to 1992. She rose to power after the People Power Revolution, which ended the
authoritarian rule of Ferdinand Marcos. Aquino, the first female president in Philippine history,
championed democracy, social justice, and human rights throughout her presidency.

Corazon Aquino's legacy as a champion of democracy, integrity, and resilience endures,

serving as an enduring inspiration for future generations of Filipinos and democracy advocates
globally. Her unwavering dedication to the principles of freedom and justice continues to shape the
course of Philippine history, cementing her status as one of the most iconic figures in the nation's
journey towards democracy.

This excerpt provides a comprehensive overview of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform

Program (CARP) initiated by President Corazon Aquino during her presidency. CARP was a landmark
initiative aimed at addressing rural poverty and landlessness in the Philippines by redistributing
agricultural land to landless farmers. It highlights the program's objectives, including promoting
social justice and economic development in rural areas, and outlines the support services provided
to agrarian reform beneficiaries. Additionally, it acknowledges the challenges and limitations faced
during the implementation of CARP while emphasizing its significance in addressing long-standing
issues of land inequality and rural poverty in the country. Overall, this excerpt effectively
summarizes the importance and impact of CARP as a key program of President Aquino's
administration.

Corazon Aquino's association with the color yellow originated from the yellow ribbon
campaign following the assassination of her husband, Ninoy Aquino. Yellow became the symbol of
opposition to the Marcos dictatorship. During the 1986 presidential campaign and People Power
Revolution, yellow represented the peaceful struggle for democracy and change. It adorned
supporters' clothing, banners, and ribbons, symbolizing hope and unity. The color yellow remains
synonymous with Aquino's legacy and the Philippines' commitment to democracy.

Corazon Aquino's presidency was characterized by efforts to rebuild the country's

democratic institutions, promote social justice, and address long-standing economic and social
challenges. While her administration faced numerous obstacles and criticisms, particularly
regarding the pace and effectiveness of reforms, her legacy as a symbol of democracy and hope for
the Filipino people remains significant.

First Female President : Aquino made history as the first female president of the Philippines and the
first female president in Asia. Her election shattered gender barriers in Philippine politics and
paved the way for greater female representation in government.

Overview of her political career and administration:

 Rise to Power: Corazon Aquino entered politics following the assassination of her husband,
Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., a prominent opposition leader during the regime of President
Ferdinand Marcos. Ninoy's assassination in 1983 galvanized opposition to the Marcos
dictatorship, and Cory Aquino emerged as a leading figure in the movement for democracy.

 1986 People Power Revolution: Following the controversial snap elections in 1986, which were
marred by widespread fraud, Corazon Aquino became the face of the opposition against
Ferdinand Marcos. The People Power Revolution, a peaceful mass movement supported by
millions of Filipinos, culminated in the ousting of Marcos and the installation of Aquino as
President. This event marked the restoration of democracy in the Philippines.

 Peace and Reconciliation Initiatives: Aquino's administration pursued peace and reconciliation
efforts, particularly in dealing with various insurgent groups and addressing longstanding
grievances in conflict-affected areas such as Mindanao. She initiated peace talks with rebel
groups like the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Communist Party of the
Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), although these efforts faced challenges and mixed
results.

 Political and Institutional Reforms: Aquino's administration implemented various political and
institutional reforms aimed at promoting democracy, transparency, and good governance.
These included efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, restore civil liberties, and
promote human rights. She also established the Presidential Commission on Good Government
(PCGG) to recover ill-gotten wealth amassed by the Marcos regime.
  Social Services and Poverty Alleviation: Aquino's administration prioritized social services and
poverty alleviation programs, including initiatives to improve healthcare, education, and
housing for marginalized communities. While resources were limited, efforts were made to
expand access to basic services and social welfare programs.

 Environmental Conservation and Protection: Aquino's administration also recognized the

importance of environmental conservation and protection. Efforts were made to enact laws and
policies to safeguard the environment, including the establishment of protected areas and
regulations to address environmental degradation and natural resource management issues.

Some of the notable laws approved during her administration

.
The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines: Aquino's administration oversaw the drafting and
ratification of a new constitution, which established the framework for democratic governance in
the Philippines, emphasizing the protection of civil liberties, the separation of powers, and checks
and balances among government institutions.

.
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL): Enacted in 1988, CARL provided a legal basis for
the implementation of agrarian reform in the Philippines. It outlined mechanisms for land
redistribution, support services for agrarian reform beneficiaries, and the creation of the
Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) to oversee the program's implementation.

.
Local Government Code of 1991: Devolving significant powers and responsibilities to local
government units (LGUs), this law aimed to promote local autonomy and improve the delivery of
basic services at the local level.
.
The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA)
of 1997: While enacted after Aquino's presidency, IPRA recognized and protected the rights of
indigenous peoples in the Philippines, including their ancestral domains, cultural integrity, and self-
governance. It aimed to address historical injustices and promote the welfare and empowerment of
indigenous communities.

.
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL): Enacted in 1988, CARL provided a legal basis for
the implementation of agrarian reform in the Philippines. It outlined mechanisms for land
redistribution, support services for agrarian reform beneficiaries, and the creation of the
Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) to oversee the program's implementation.
.

Local Government Code of 1991: Devolving significant powers and responsibilities to local
government units (LGUs), this law aimed to promote local autonomy and improve the delivery of
basic services at the local level.