Showing posts with label Pres. Corazon Aquino. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pres. Corazon Aquino. Show all posts

PostHeaderIcon Reading Ninoy Aquino's letter

8/11/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


As Pres. Corazon Aquino’s demise starts to settle permanently in our senses, I can’t ignore an email a friend sent me. It is part of the “forwards” I receive each day. But this one is exceptionally good to read and think about. It comes from Philippine hero Ninoy Aquino--- writing his daughter Ballsy in 1973.

I thought, for its incisive and compelling content, Ninoy's letter deserves to be posted for those who haven’t read it.

Ninoy, the martyred husband of Cory may well be a father who lives, trying to share something lovable, beautiful, and sublime for his family and the rest of the world. (Photo Credit: Mon Solo)=0=

NINOY'S LETTER TO DAUGHTER BALLSY 1973

August 18, 1973
Fort Bonifacio
Makati, Rizal

Ms. Maria Elena C. Aquino
25 Times St. Quezon City

My dearest Ballsy,

I write you this letter with tears in my eyes and as if steel fingers are crushing my heart because I wanted so much to be with you as you celebrate your legal emancipation. Now that you have come of age, my love, a voice tells me that I am no longer young and suddenly, I feel old.

An old poet gave this advice very long ago “when you are sad, remember the roses will bloom in December.” I want to send you bouquet of roses, big red roses from my dreamland garden. Unfortunately for the present, my roses are not in bloom, in fact they have dropped all their petals and only the thorns are left to keep me company. I do think it is fitting to send you a thicket of thorns on this memorable day!

I am very proud of you because you have inherited all the best traits of your mother. You are sensible, responsible, even-tempered and sincere with the least pretenses and affection which vehemently detest in a woman. I am sure like your mother, you will possess that rare brand of silent courage and that combination of fidelity and fortitude that will be the life vest of your man in the tragic moments of his life.

During my lonely hours of solitary confinement in Fort Magsaysay, Laur, Nueva Ecija last March and April with nothing else to do but pray and daydream, with only my fond memories to keep me company, I planned a weekend barrio fiesta for you in Tarlac for your 18th birthday. I fooled myself into believing that my ordeal would end with the fiscal year. I planned to invite all your classmates and friends and their families for the weekends.

The schedule called for an early departure by bus from Manila and the first stop will be Concepcion, where lunch will be served by the pool. And after lunch, you were to visit the SantaRitaElementary School to distribute cookies and ice cream to the children of that public school where you were first enrolled.

I guess sheer nostalgia prompted me to include Santa Rita. We were only three then: Mommie, you and I. Those were the days of happy memories little responsibilities, tremendous freedom, a great future ahead and capped by a fulfillment of love... You are the first fruit of our union, the first proof of our love and the first seal of our affections.

From Concepcion we were to proceed to Luisita for the barrio fiesta. I intended to invite a friend who could roast an entire cow succulently. Swimming, pelota, dancing and eating would have been the order of the day.

Sunday morning was reserved for a trip around the Hacienda and the mill and maybe golf for some of the parents and later a picnic-lunch on Uncle Tony’s Island. Return to Manila after lunch. I am afraid this will have to remain as one of the many dreams I had in Laur.

Our future has suddenly become uncertain and our fate unknown. I am even now beginning to doubt whether I’ll ever be able to return to you and the family. Hence, I would like to ask you these special favors.

Love your mother, whose love for you, you will never be able to match. She is not the greatest mother in the world, she is your sincerest friend.
Take care of your younger sisters and brother and lavish them with the love and care I would like to continue giving them but am unable to do so.

Help Noy-noy along and pray hard that he will grow to be a real, responsible man who in later years will protect you all.
You are the model for your three younger sisters. Your responsibility is therefore great. Please endeavor to live up to our highest expectations. Be more tolerant to Pinky, more accessible to Viel, our little genius-princess, and more charitable to Krissy, our baby doll, and make up for my neglect.

Finally, forgive me, my love, for not having been an ideal, good and thoughtful father to you all as I pursued public office. I had hopes and high resolve of making up, but I am afraid my destiny will not oblige.

I seal this letter with a drop of tear and a prayer in my heart, that somehow, somewhere we shall meet again and I will finally be able to make up for all my lapses, in the kingdom where justice reigns supreme and love is eternal.

I love you,
Dad
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PostHeaderIcon 150,000 mourners for Cory Aquino’s burial

8/05/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post




A huge crowd of about 150,000 people lined up in Manila streets to bid Pres. Cory Aquino farewell during her interment on August 5, 2009. In her death, the beloved and popular leader known for her simplicity, unwavering faith, and steadfast defense of democracy brought shining inspiration to entire nation reminiscent of the People Power she led more than two decades ago.

Condolences poured in from all over the globe for Cory. The Aquino family, led by by Sen. Nonoy Aquino and TV celebrity Kris Aquino followed the hearse of their mother as mourners from all walks of life cheered, flashed “Laban” signs, and shouted “Cory, Cory” as tributes to the ex-president.

Under an overcast sky, tens of thousands of Filipinos wearing yellow and carrying balloons and flowers stood as the funeral cortege from Manila Cathedral snaked its way to Manila Memorial Park where the ex-president was buried in a simple crypt with her husband, the martyred political leader, Ninoy Aquino. (Photo Credit: Reuters/ Romeo Ranoco; Reuters/ Erik de Castro)=0=

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PostHeaderIcon GMA comes to Cory Aquino's wake

8/05/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


There was the necessity and perhaps the obligation. She needed to come for the wake of Pres. Cory Aquino. Against the discomfort of raised eyebrows and snide remarks, maybe, that's what Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo felt. After she arrived with her entourage on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 from her trip in the United States, she hastily went to Manila Cathedral at about 3:30 early morning to view Cory’s remains and condoled with the bereaved family. Days before, to honor the dead ex-president, she declared a 10-day national mourning.

The visit was politically charged. Accusing her of rigging the election, Arroyo was asked by Cory Aquino to resign at the height of the “Hello Garci” scandal. As far as the public can tell, it was a wound in both women's back which needed repair.

Despite irritations, GMA was politely welcomed by Cory’s son Noynoy Aquino and briefly, she stayed after a quick prayer in front of the bier. She only stayed for about 7 minutes.

Reports said, the president’s short visit interrupted public the viewing of Cory's huge adoring crowd. With other unspecified reasons, Arroyo's decision to come and leave early was more to give time for people in long lines to see Cory’s remains as the interment drew near.(Photo Credit: justgivemepeace) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Posthumous tributes to President Corazon Aquino

8/05/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post




''She picked up the standard from the fallen warrior Ninoy and helped lead our nation to a brighter day.''---Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo

“We feel sad because who will defend us now that she’s gone? ... But with her death, the EDSA spirit returned and united us again” ----Makati bank employee Araceli Franco

“Oppressed masses in Asia, nay the world, touched their forelocks in gratitude to her (Aquino) for the inspiring example of her courage in the face of adversity.”---Malaysian Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim

“Former President Aquino was the symbol of a restored democracy in the Philippines and promoted friendly relations between our country and the Philippines.” ---Japan Prime Minister Taro Aso

“Cory Aquino was beloved by her nation and admired by the world for her extraordinary courage after the assassination of her husband, and later, during her service as president."--- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

“Maraming salamat po Tita Cory sa lahat ng tulong na ibinigay mo sa mga mahihirap ng Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Pasay City kung saan kayo ikinasal ni Ninoy noong October 1954. Ang aming parokya ay taos pusong nagdadalamahti sa iyong pagpanaw at nanalangin sa Poong Maykapal na bigyan ka ng tunay na kapayapaan at kaligayahan sa kanyang kaharian. Tita Cory di mo lang ibinalik ang kalayaan at demokraysya sa sambayanang Pilipino, mas lalong kahanga-hanga at mahalaga na hinikayat mo ang sambayanang Pilipino na bumalik sa Diyos sa mga panahon ng panganib, kagipitan at kasakitan. Pagpalain ka ng Poong Maykapal Tita Cory. Di ka namin malilimutan. Sa iyong pamilya kami ay nakikiramay at nanalangin.. Good bye Tita Cory. We love you.”---- Fr. Soc, SSP

"Ms. Aquino played a crucial role in Philippines history, moving the country to democratic rule through her nonviolent 'people power' movement over 20 years ago," Gibbs said. "Her courage, determination, and moral leadership are an inspiration to us all and exemplify the best in the Filipino nation." —--White House press secretary Robert Gibbs

“Salamat, sapagka’t kayo ang nagbalik ng tunay na demokrasya. (Thank you because you brought back true democracy).”---Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay





“She represented the best of the Filipino of the past and the future."---former Pres. Fidel Ramos

“Mrs. Aquino will be remembered as a beacon of democracy not only in she Philippines but also around the world." ----United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

"I came all the way from Isabela for several hours just to see Aquino's remains. Mahal ko ang dating presidente. Mabuti nandito na ako ng 1 p.m." ----Senior citizen Clara Taguba

”Former President Cory Aquino has demonstrated in the clearest terms that steep moral values and strength of character are what our nation need in times of unabated corruption and political and social decay,” ---Sen. Mar Roxas.

“She will be remembered not just an icon of democracy since she restored democracy in our country, but also because for being simple, humble and prayerful," Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco

“Para sa ina ng demokrasya, sulit naman kasi binigay nga ni Cory (yung) buhay niya para sa atin." ----Roman Rabina, House of Representatives employee.

“The Philippines has lost a wonderful leader who is widely admired in Britain for her courage and inspiration.”---- UK Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Beckingham

”The greatest honor you see is on the streets right now, a lot of people are going there” ----Sen. Richard Gordon

”Though suffering from failing health, she condemned the anti-democratic machinations of Mrs. Arroyo to cling to power beyond her term ending in June 2010. From her sickbed, she sent a powerful message of support to thousands of demonstrators protesting Mrs. Arroyo's Con-Ass scheme. She called it ‘a shameful abuse of power!’” ---National Democratic Front



"We will provide full military honors befitting a former President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief. This includes the firing of volleys starting at 8 a.m. on Sunday, military vigil during the entire wake, flags on half mast in all camps and the offering of mass in all military churches." ----AFP public affairs chief, Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner

"Cory Aquino is what a true leader must be, honest and true at a crucial moment in the nation’s history.”----Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales

''Today our country has lost a mother.''---former President Joseph Estrada

“She was the template for the avenging daughter which we saw in Pakistan and Burma [Myanmar]. Secondly, she highlighted the importance of women to democratization.” ----Bruce Gilley, assistant professor of political science at Portland State University

“There are so many other presidents who are liars and thieves, but why did it have to be you?”---Filipina businesswoman Baby Dantes

“I can feel the pain, the loss of a loved one, so I am in prayer. If these two families reconciled, there will be a miracle for the Philippines” ---Imelda Marcos

“We will miss Tita Cory. All of us have lost a woman who stood bravely for freedom, unification and for bringing people together while her family lost a mother so my heart goes out to them.”--- United States Ambassador Kristie Kenney

"She was very much committed to helping those who are disadvantaged and her legacy remains. We're very sad for her family's loss but what she represents is an inspiration to the world.”----Stephen Anderson, Director for the United Nations World Food Program (RP).





(Photo Credits: AP/ Marquez, B; Malaya/ Daguatan, P; AFP/ Garcia, N; Reuters/ Torralba, A; AP/ Cheryl Ravelo; Reuters/ Torralba, A.)

RELATED BLOGS: Ninoy Aquino: undimmed, forever young & at play Posted by mesiamd at 8/22/2008; Pres. Cory Aquino's power of hope & gratitude Posted by mesiamd at 8/01/2009; Filipinos mourn the death of Pres. Cory Aquino Posted by mesiamd at 8/01/2009

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PostHeaderIcon Pres. Cory Aquino's power of hope & gratitude

8/01/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post
In Memoriam





"I still have great hopes. Tayong mga Pilipino, sasabihin, 'Ano ba naman, bakit hindi tayo umangat katulad ng iba nating kalapit bansa?' Sabi ko, darating at darating din yon."

If we can have only a fraction of hope and gratitude the world can share, the place we live in will be far better and more secure than what is now. In the transcript of her last interview on September 3, 2009, this is a profound and meaningful message Pres. Corazon Aquino has imparted to us Filipinos. (Source & Photo Credits: GMAnews.TV.com/ Severino, H et al) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Filipinos mourn the death of Pres. Cory Aquino

8/01/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


Requiescat In Pace

After more than a year of fighting advanced colonic malignancy, Pres. Corazon C. Aquino, 76 died in peace in Manila early Saturday, August 2, 2009. The passing of the widow of martyred political leader Ninoy Aquino brought loss and sadness to the Filipino nation. In her life, she exemplified calm, grace, and strong conviction.

Prayers were being said when the former president had her last breath. In her hospital bed at the Makati Medical Medical Center, she was surrounded by her five children and friends.

A proponent of non-violence and peaceful change, Cory, a devout Catholic, was the inspiration which led the country to oust strongman Ferdinand E. Marcos in a popular People Power uprising in 1986, leading to her assumption of presidency.

During her term, her administration was rocked by 7 attempts of coup d’ etat as she tried to rid the country of the remnants of the Marcos dictatorship. Restoring democracy, she embarked on the implementation of land reform, but was accused of protecting the interest of rich land-owners. At the same time she offered to make peace with the communists while she tried to find solution to the separatist movement of Mindanao. After her presidency, she continued to work for social and political causes.

Cory, the feisty US-educated lady who wore her usual signature yellow dress, demonstrated a life of understated simplicity, working for the country’s unity till the end of her life.

In her illness, friends and foes, rich and poor alike offered prayers for her recovery, including expressions of consolation from Pope Benedict XVI. (Photo Credit: walla2chick) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Cory Aquino very ill

7/21/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


Not long after former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino refused further medical treatment for advanced colonic malignancy, she is fast deteriorating. Her daughter actress Kris Aquino announced that she would temporarily quit her job to give time to her ailing mother who is confined in Makati Medical Center.

Within a year after it was publicly disclosed that the ex-president had cancer, she went through laparoscopic colectomy and chemotherapy for stage 4 cancer which caused her to lose weight and appetite. From the medical standpoint, her prospect of recovery had been poor.

The whole country who recognizes Cory as an upright, devout, and honest woman pray for her comfort and healing. Many Filipinos are saddened that in the past few weeks, she has suffered weakness and pain related to to her illness. (Photo Credit: Joe Galvez) =0=

RELATED BLOG: Pres. Cory Aquino to undergo cancer surgery Posted by mesiamd at 5/01/2009; Cory Aquino returns to hospital; Cory Aquino returns to hospital Posted by mesiamd at 6/25/2009

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PostHeaderIcon Pres. Cory Aquino to undergo cancer surgery

5/01/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


A little more than a year since Corazon Aquino, 76, was diagnosed to have colonic cancer, her secretary Margie Juico disclosed that the former president is scheduled to have an operation to remove tumor in her colon. The chemotherapy that she took earlier was apparently not enough to rid her of malignancy.

To help Cory recover, Balanga Bishop Socrates Villegas called for a rosary prayers aimed to seek total healing for the widow of slain Filipino leader Ninoy Aquino.

Mrs Aquino, a vocal critic of the present administration has called on Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo to resign over corruption charges. As she battles her illness, she recently asked for support to whistle-blower Rodolfo Noel Lozada, Jr., who was arrested on April 29, 2009, Wednesday on perjury charges filed by former Presidential Management Staff chief Michael Defensor. Losada testified about the corruption in the $329 million national broadband network (NBN) deal. (Photo Credit: Joe Galvez) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Cory’s EDSA II apology opens controversies & distrust among Filipinos

12/24/2008 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

Calling the EDSA II revolution a mistake, Corazon (Cory) Aquino, one of the leaders of the movement which ousted former Pres. Joseph (Erap) Estrada from power has brought the nation into new controversies. The sudden confession of the ailing former president opened wounds--- sowing confusion among doubting Filipinos who bewailed the endemic poor leadership in the national government.

Rather than bridging the often-repeated "reconciliation” among warring political parties, the demure housewife and former chief executive unwittingly exposed the short-sightedness and immaturity of leaders who stood as huge obstacles to the progress of the country. There were those who surmised if cancer and treatment had put her on tremendous strain; her ability to think sanely as before might have taken a beating.



As a devout practitioner of Catholicism, the former president who’s trying to define her legacy as an infuential public servant may have scored high on matters of faith, but she has placed the people in a void of uncertainty whose damage is too early to quantify. The effects are likely to cause lasting shockwaves on how politics will be played in government affairs like the next presidential election. They will cut across the way people will view what is morally right and wrong as they rule over the scandals that see no end.

By seeking Estrada’s forgiveness, Cory repudiated the collective action of her party and those who pushed for an end of blatant thievery, corruption and ineptness during and after Estrada’s administration. The damning evidence of incompetence and plunder laid bare during the 6 years of trial reduced the public to docility and silent acquiescence---- a treacherous problem of Filipinos no wanted to touch.

Like a modern-day soap opera, Estrada’s dizzying legal battle and his privileged imprisonment shown in TVs, radios, and newspapers ended in a conviction hailed by the people. But it was quickly reversed by Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo (GMA)--- herself, a sore symbol of almost all things that had gone wrong with the country. Many believed GMA, the current prexy with an outrageously low approval rating of negative (-30) cleverly pardoned Estrada for political convenience. It was unclear though whether Cory's apology to Estrada was linked to her frustraion over GMA's mishandling the government. Cory called on her to resign amidst uncurbed corruption as the wagons of Estrada's political come-back had rolled in from the first station.

Because of Cory’s change of heart, there are deepening doubts on whether Filipino leaders are up for the job of steering the country to better times. In spite of the early justifications and defense for the widow of Benigno (Ninoy) Aquino, her position strengthens the chance of the come-back of the Estrada and his "weather-weather" gang. The Filipinos are left in an impasse: Wala na ba talagang ibang mga magagaling at matitino?

The demoralizing effect of Cory’s declaration puts the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) leadership, a staunch supporter of EDSA II on the defensive. It revives anew the questions on church-state separation and the constitutionality of the power take-overs which left a serious lingering leadership vacuum in all political fronts.

Most of all, it irreparably damaged the Cory brand of uprightness and wisdom she shared with her martyred husband Ninoy Aquino, leaving Filipinos one less of a person to trust and emulate. (Photo Credits: Joe Galvez; Marcial Pontillas21; Marcial Pontillas21; gmaresign; Marcial Pontillas21; Marcial Pontillas21)=0=



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PostHeaderIcon Ninoy Aquino: undimmed, forever young & at play

8/22/2008 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post
"They shall not grow old
As we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them
Nor the hourglass condemn
At the going down of the sun

And at the rising of the sun
We shall greet them in our hearts
Undimmed, forever young and at play
In the fields of the Lord.”

----Warrior King: The Triumph & Betrayal of An American Commander in Iraq (Sassman, Nathan Lt. Col., Martin Press, NY, 2008, p.293)

“It is even more clear to me now that Ninoy was never really mine or my children’s to lose; he has always belonged to the people he chose to serve and to die for,” former Pres. Corazon (Cory) Aquino said of her husband Benigno (Ninoy ) Aquino whose 25th year of his assassination is being remembered this year.

Ninoy Aquino came home from exile in August 21, 1983 from Boston, USA as the prime political adversary of then Pres. Ferdinand Marcos and wife Imelda Marcos. Upon arrival in Manila, he was escorted by military men and minutes later he was gunned down in the tarmac. Years of investigations of the gruesome killing failed to unmask the top people behind the murder. A lone gunman Rolando Galman, killed with Ninoy at the airport, was blamed for the murder. Ninoy’s martyrdom sparked a series of mass actions and protests against Marcos, forcing him out of Malacanang Palace and ending his dictatorship with Imelda.

Today, trying to bring back her health from treatments for colonic cancer, Cory faces new wounds of the ignominious murder whose real mastermind(s) and killer(s) are still on the loose. As the memory of the bloody shooting fades in the memory of the country, the culprits who escape judgement under the law, have gone old or have died of natural causes.

The Marcos family has been “rehabilitated” with the passage of time, rejoining Philippine politics as though nothing so nefarious and brutal ever happened. The case of Ninoy and the conspiracy behind it have been a metaphor of the Filipinos’ lack of trust in the court system. It speaks of the countless murders left unsolved in the country. Not only is justice slow, it’s riddled with corruption and nepotism that favor the rich and powerful. =0=
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PostHeaderIcon The dancing senator and her caustic remark

8/19/2008 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


"You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life
See that girl, watch that scene, dig in the Dancing Queen."
---Dancing Queen, ABBA (from the Broadway Hit "Mama Mia")

When our senators debate on issues, the arguments suddenly get out of focus. Their exchanges degenerate lower than what we expect from sane people. This is what happened when former Sen. Teresita Aquino-Oreta, argued against Sen. Benigno (Nonoy) Aquino III’s comment that the country hasn’t advanced for 25 years, since this his murdered father, Ninoy Aquino died.

Oreta (well-recalled as the “dancing queen” in the senate floor when she sashayed and wiggled in euphoric glee, during an impeachment proceeding of then Pres. Joseph Estrada in January 2001,) disagreed with Nonoy Aquino's assessment about the country without giving a satisfactory clarification.

Whether the Philippines moved ahead or not is something that needs explanation. From experience, we have strong opinions about where the country has gone. Oreta could have asked Noynoy what he meant. Or she might have rebutted his opinion with evidence to the contrary. Instead, she turned against former Pres. Corazon Aquino, saying, “His mommy led the country for six years. So please don’t tell us now the country hasn’t moved forward.” PDI (08/18/08, Dalangin-Fernandez, L)

Such corrosive exchanges are typical of family feuds in our households that we don’t want to hear. While we suspect malice and emnity in her statement, Oreta missed proving Noynoy wrong. Instead of being defensive (or firing on the messenger for his message,) she seems in need of more maturity to let us understand that she's telling the truth or helping us move ahead. =0=
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