First off, I must disclaim that I lived to witness the late Cory Aquino’s presidency. I know her only through other people’s words, and through information that I have discovered for myself. Now then, let me start.
Our former president, Cory Aquino, died on August 1, 2009, though everybody should have known that by now. I didn’t feel different when the news reached me; there was no apparent connection between me and the president. But her death did spark the “Cory Magic” within the Filipinos once again and, in extension, sparked some interest in me. So I reacted during conversations (regarding Cory) as if I totally honor her actions. In truth, I am at the very best “indifferent” towards her; after all, I don’t even know her. As I said before, I only hear her legacy through other people. That said, I concluded that, well, Cory wasn’t really that great of a president. I arrived at that conclusion from two sources: my father and my current philosophy professor (whose names I won’t divulge in).
First off, from my father: My father, while he pays his respects to the late president, doesn’t really hold her to the highest regards. This may be partly because of his exposure to the Marcos regime. He once told me that the Philippines was better off under Marcos’ command, if he just didn’t became corrupted from power (I can’t blame Marcos; face it, with great power comes great corruption). He also stated once that the Philippine economy dropped during Aquino’s time, and it was a very significant change. If I were my father, that reason would’ve already convinced me that Cory is not really that great after all.
Let me now share my philosophy teacher’s point of view. By virtue of philosophy (of course), he had deducted that Cory does not really deserve all the fuss that’s happening now. He argues that Cory only became such the hero that the Filipinos make her out of because she was the only woman for the job. Look at this important fact: Ninoy (Cory’s husband) was assassinated. And Ninoy was the Marcos’ natural enemy (so to speak). So it makes sense that Cory would run for presidency NOT for the service of people, but FOR the removal of the Marcos’ from power. She ran for the sake of dethroning Marcos. To add to this argument is that the Philippine economy declined during Aquino’s command.
Again, I disclaim that I have witnessed Cory’s presidency, so all that I have put here does not imply that these are my opinions. In fact, mine’s are otherwise. While she may not be the perfect woman for the job, I do applaud her for her courage and her determination to do “justice” for the Philippines and ultimately fight for democracy. That is how she became a hero: by showing that, with enough willpower, any people can change anything. She is remembered not for her presidency, but perhaps for her democratic point-of-view, and for her historical act of rekindling the Filipino spirit. THAT is her legend. THAT is her *ahem*yellow*ahem* string of fate. (ziv-born 1993).
I am really not interested in politics and still, up to now I can't understand what's the fuss about the death of Corazon Aquino or commonly known as Cory. But because we study Philippine History at school, I have a little knowledge about the icon of democracy we filipino's acknowledge--Cory Aquino.
I can say that Cory is a strong woman and a fighter. Despite the death of his husband Benigno Aquino or Ninoy, she still fought against Ferdinand Marcos for democracy, bravely and all by herself. A normal housewife couldn't fight against the most powerful man in a nation, especially after the death & loss of her husband. But if it is Cory, and if it for our country, she would do it. She did it successfully and was reigned as Philippine's FIRST WOMAN PRESIDENT. Everyone idolized and loved her for fighting bravely and for bringing back the democracy into the filipino's hands. Unfortunately, she didn't last as a president [dahil hindi ko alam kung ano ang nangyari kay FVR!].
Since then, she remained as a private woman of the society [ba yun?]. After several years, the Aquino's suprised us for announcing the severe colon cancer the former president has accumulated. Everybody prayed and supported her for fast recovery, the way people supported her while trying to oust Ferdinand Marcos.
Cory still lasted for a year after the Aquino's announcement. Just last August 01, the first Saturday of August, Cory passed away in the Hands of Jesus. [kasi nagdasal siya nung namatay, di ba?]. While everyone was agonizing over the death of Cory, I feel happy instead. Happy that at last, all the sufferings she had undergone was put to an end. Happy that at least, with that short life span God had given her, she already proved something to us Pinoys.
Indeed, Cory is a fighter. She fought for our country as well as with her disease. She deserves to be respected, to be remembered, to be treasured...and this grand funeral ceremony she is having right now. (zoe-born 1996).
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