Cory and our inscrutable politics - Malou Mangahas
by Malou Mangahas, PCIJ
FOR FIVE years and through seven botched coups mounted against her government, I covered President Cory as a reporter for The Manila Times and The Manila Chronicle.
We were all young then, impetuous, stubborn, irrepressible, and we did not always agree with Cory and her Cabinet. To be honest, there were moments we did not like her all that much. And the feeling, though fleeting, was somewhat mutual.
Field a testy question, and she was sure to show her repulsion. In quick succession, she’d serve you a pout (her mouth twitched, not puckered), knit her brows, swing her head to the left, then right, then left again, and finally a curt missive, “Next question, please.”
I was then president of the Malacañang Press Corps, the batch that came to be called “Brat Pack,” which in 1987 staged a protest action against Cory and her restrictive guards. We all came garbed in black or with black armbands. For hours, we sat slumped on the curbside of Malacanang Palace. It was to be the only protest action to be staged by reporters inside Malacanang.
For three days, with our editors’ support, we did not to write a single story about Cory. We ignored her and all her events at the Palace. All we wanted was reasonable access to information and to official sources as we believed befitted the return of press freedom after the EDSA People Power revolt.
We called her “Presidentita,” and the Palace guards commanded by then Col. Voltaire Gazmin, her attack dogs. Not that they actually assaulted us with cannons and rifles, but there were many episodes of pushing and shoving and verbal tussles between the guards and the Palace press. They wanted to secure Cory’s space; we wanted our stories from Cory’s office.
One time the guards pushed too much that Malaya reporter Joel C. Paredes actually challenged Cory’s guards to a fistfight. Brave, burly, but pudgy, Joel, a former college fratman, suddenly dropped notebook and pen, rolled his fists into balls, spread his legs a la Pacquiao on the ring with Hatton, and summoned Cory’s guards to a jabfest.
We got Joel out of the scene, rescuing him from certain death. After he had chilled, we realized the inequity of it all: our notebooks and pens vs the weapons cache of Cory’s guards, not to mention of the Armed Forces, which she led as commander in chief!
Perhaps the pushing and shoving came with the territory because we wanted to cover Cory so diligently. That, or we inflicted the power of the pen too much on Cory and her officials.
The Cory government had to contend with a media most pervasive, most menacing, and most unruly. From sunrise to dusk—on occasion up to midnight or dawn because coups and calamities visited her government in a series—we covered Cory like crazy, obsessively, compulsively. In large measure, that was because we were too zealous of our restored freedoms; we did not want to yield ground, or leave any policies unexplained by Cory and her officials
Most working days, the reporters among us would typically thrust tape recorders, the photographers Nikon and Canon with massive lens, and the television crew big, heavy videocams, onto the mouth, nose, ear, nape, and face of whoever emerged from a visit or meeting with the Presidentita. Most of the time, by our own doing, we went home with bumps or lumps, or abscess from the cameras and recorders we carried.
When Cory went to church or held closed-door meetings with anyone, we hounded her, too. Our network of sources then was, in reporter’s lingo, as deep as an oil well. It had to be because Cory presided over a government that launched too many firsts, enacted too many controversial policies. She also had to deal with too many threats to the security of the republic, and too many Marcos-era politicians vanquished or reinventing themselves, and who now mocked the good sense and the sanity of our people.
We resorted to the “ambush” interview—that intrusive, you might say uncouth, behavior of reporters toward sources. We did so to get our stories between the long, boring wait by the curbside of the Malacanang Premiere Guest House, a two-story building where Cory held office.
Perhaps the modesty of the official residence Cory had chosen was the real problem. There was no room at the Guest House for about 40 reporters from as many media agencies assigned to cover Cory every single day.
In time, in part because of our protest action, the Presidentita’s staff built the media a gazebo by the garden across the Guest House, and we finally had roof on our heads when it rained while we waited for news.
By 1989, as new press secretary, journalist Teodoro C. Benigno had the Malacanang Palace renovated to make room for a Press Briefing Room and workstations for the Press Corps members.
Back then, the Malacañang Beat was a hardship post. Reporters wrote from five to 12 stories a day, each with a unique event or policy peg. It was important to read up on issues and documents, to know not simply who or what but also why and how, to understand not just concepts but also stats, to be both literate and numerate.
The Cory years launched a whole new regime of good programs that by quality and quantity surpass the combined achievements of her three successors. The three post-EDSA presidents after Cory—Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph E. Estrada, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo—practically just had to breeze through the presidency all because Cory had done most of the work for them. And yet, by all accounts, they built less and destroyed more of what Cory had set out to do for the nation. And yes, they probably did more bad than all the good and not-so-good things that Cory did.
Apart from a new Constitution, Cory gave the nation groundbreaking policies and reforms, notably the Presidential Commission on Good Government, the Commission on Human Rights, the Local Government Code, the Family Code, the Administrative Code, the Expanded Value-Added Tax, the Generics Act, the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, the National Youth Commission, and a bounty of laws for mothers, children, rebel-returnees, and indigenous communities.
As well, Cory freed political prisoners, forged peace with rebels, and nursed to life the communities struck down by the biggest disasters in recent Philippine history (the 1990 earthquake and the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in1991).
In Cory’s time, politics was less about spin, embellished stats, brownie points and executive privilege; politics was more about people and public service.
In Cory’s time, reporters may field the toughest questions to the highest officials and were sure to get honest – if not absolutely complete—answers. To be sure, Cory did not have all the answers to all the questions that we asked then, and still ask today, as a people.
Yet the best cut is this: When Cory was president, decency defined the conduct of reporters toward politicians, and politicians toward reporters. Integrity was the standard against which reporters assessed politicians.
Cory was sometimes a difficult source. But she certainly was always a good source. She was good as she was honest. In our trained reporter’s eye, we saw she did not know how to lie, or was totally uncomfortable holding back information. Cory would rather be caught frowning or scowling on cam than tell reporters tall tales. Indeed, the lesson of Cory Aquino as leader and president should not be lost on Filipino politicians.
Powerlessness—acting and doing like one is without power—is the secret of Cory’s power over the masses. Most others in the practice of politics today keep a contrary faith that was defined 60 years ago by Jose Avelino, Senate president under the government of Elpidio Quirino.
“What are we in power for?” asked Avelino, when he was investigated in 1949 for tax evasion and eventually sentenced to one-year suspension. Quirino later resurrected him as ambassador at large.
Avelino went down—really down the pits—of Philippine history for a devastatingly great quote on the inscrutable and incorrigible ways of Filipino politicians.
With absolute antipathy toward his investigators, he remarked: “Why should we pretend to be saints when in reality we are not? We are not angels, we are not saints. When we die, we will all go to hell. It is better to be in hell because in that place there are no investigations.”
Cory thrashed Avelino’s hypothesis of the “smarter” politician. In life as in death, she commanded the boundless affection and respect of the people that is probably the only kind of real, smart power that should matter.
The Filipino people have demonstrated time and again that they get it so well: they don’t like politicians who demonstrate genius only in the practice of the seven deadly sins—lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride or vainglory.
In truth, the less Cory propped herself, the more she grew in the people’s love and respect. As president, Cory took her oath of office before the Constitution, but defined her politics by the canons of her faith, the heavenly virtues of charity, diligence, patience, kindness, temperance, and humility.
If politics were a test of sainthood, we can count by the fingers of one hand the Filipino politicians who would make the grade. In my book, as a journalist who had covered Cory then and now, even with sometimes testy results, Cory would be in top running. — Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism
Cory and our inscrutable politics - Malou Mangahas
***
It's sad that politicians after Cory Aquino could not exude integrity.
Showing posts with label revolution. Show all posts
Showing posts with label revolution. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Former coup leader vs Cory salutes former commander in chief
Former coup leader vs Cory salutes former commander in chief
abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA - A prominent military officer who took part in the bloodiest coup d'etat against President Corazon "Cory" Aquino's administration in 1989 offered a "snappy salute" to the late former president.
Detained Marines Col. Ariel Querubin, a key member of the Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa - Young Officers Movement – Soldiers of the Filipino People which launched the bloody 1989 coup attempt against Aquino, said he regrets that he did not have a chance to meet or shake hands with Aquino before her death last Saturday (August 1).
"At this time of national grief, and in her honor, I give my former Commander-in-Chief my snappy salute. Farewell, Mrs. President," Querubin said a statement released through his stepson and spokesman Martin Loon.
"It is no secret that I was one of those who led the coup against her administration in 1989. And I am glad that 20 years thereafter, the wounds brought about by that exercise have begun to heal. Pres. Aquino stood for freedom and democracy, ideals many of us share. With her passing, I hope that what she stood for lives on and that many, especially those in the military, will take inspiration from her values and the principles she lived by," he added in his statement.
Querubin suffered a near fatal gunshot wound in the coup attempt in 1989, described as the bloodiest and almost successful coup attempt, and was even reportedly presumed dead until found to still have a pulse.
On Mother's Day last May, Querubin said he "sent flowers and a message of prayer" to Aquino, who was diagnosed with colon cancer.
Courage and bravery
Querubin also praised Aquino for agreeing to support his group's cause during the Feb. 26, 2006 standoff at the Philippine Marines headquarters, where he allegedly called on several Marine units for an alleged to bid to oust President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Aquino was one of many political leaders who attempted to enter Fort Bonifacio grounds that evening, to offer support for Querubin's alleged move to oust Arroyo. Aquino had already joined calls for President Arroyo to resign in 2005, following allegations of cheating in the 2004 elections.
"Amidst Proclamation 1017 at that time, she (Aquino) braved the dark of the night and the anti-riot police to be one with the people in prayer. Through the years, I have learned to admire her bravery and courage very much. She was brave up to her final moments," Querubin said.
A Medal of Valor Awardee, Querubin is detained in Camp Aguinaldo, facing a mutiny charge for his alleged role in the standoff.
Querubin, former Army Scout Rangers chief Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, and then Marine commandant Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda allegedly planned to march to the EDSA Shrine and announce their withdrawal of support from Arroyo.
Cory had 'nerves of steel'
Meanwhile, former Philippine Constabulary (PC) Chief Maj. Gen. Ramon Montaño, a staunch defender of Cory Aquino during her presidency, said he admired Aquino for her bravery even during the toughest coups launched against her administration.
Montaño, who was then a ground commander of PC-Integrated National Police and head of the Metropolitan Police Force, said Aquino stayed composed during the first alleged coup attempt mounted by some groups in the military against her in July 1986. This happened just 4 months after she became president.
"The President just moved into the Palace and I was worried about her safety. We found out that she was cooking in the kitchen with teargas fumes swirling all over. She was unbothered and so calm as if her nerves were made of steel," he said.
Montaño said that Aquino remained just as calm during the "God Save the Queen" coup attempt in November 1986, as well as during a 1987 coup attempt when military rebels reached the Palace, burned the military's General Headquarters, and seized the Makati Business District for several days.
The 'Lady in Yellow'
He also described Aquino as "the picture of courage, confidence, and serenity" even during the toughest negotiations between Cabinet members and military rebels.
Montaño was one of many military officials who joined a "mutiny" against President Marcos in February 1986. He said they were afraid to go against the dictator at the time, but was heartened by former president Aquino and the crowds that lined EDSA during the famous "People Power" revolt, that sparked the end of Martial Law.
"We threw away these fears as we could feel the trust and the faith of the Filipino people in their chosen leader, President Corazon C. Aquino who inspired the whole nation to defy mighty tanks, gun ships and machine guns armed only with prayers and their faith in the Almighty," he said.
"The Lady in Yellow, then only known to the soldiers as the widow of the late Sen. [Benigno] "Ninoy" Aquino [Jr.], brought together the soldiers and the Filipino people," he said.
Montaño said that Aquino had symbolized "what is good and what is noble in the Filipino people", which became a unifying factor for many soldiers.
Former coup leader vs Cory salutes former commander in chief
***
It's surprising that even President Cory's enemies recognize her strength.
abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA - A prominent military officer who took part in the bloodiest coup d'etat against President Corazon "Cory" Aquino's administration in 1989 offered a "snappy salute" to the late former president.
Detained Marines Col. Ariel Querubin, a key member of the Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa - Young Officers Movement – Soldiers of the Filipino People which launched the bloody 1989 coup attempt against Aquino, said he regrets that he did not have a chance to meet or shake hands with Aquino before her death last Saturday (August 1).
"At this time of national grief, and in her honor, I give my former Commander-in-Chief my snappy salute. Farewell, Mrs. President," Querubin said a statement released through his stepson and spokesman Martin Loon.
"It is no secret that I was one of those who led the coup against her administration in 1989. And I am glad that 20 years thereafter, the wounds brought about by that exercise have begun to heal. Pres. Aquino stood for freedom and democracy, ideals many of us share. With her passing, I hope that what she stood for lives on and that many, especially those in the military, will take inspiration from her values and the principles she lived by," he added in his statement.
Querubin suffered a near fatal gunshot wound in the coup attempt in 1989, described as the bloodiest and almost successful coup attempt, and was even reportedly presumed dead until found to still have a pulse.
On Mother's Day last May, Querubin said he "sent flowers and a message of prayer" to Aquino, who was diagnosed with colon cancer.
Courage and bravery
Querubin also praised Aquino for agreeing to support his group's cause during the Feb. 26, 2006 standoff at the Philippine Marines headquarters, where he allegedly called on several Marine units for an alleged to bid to oust President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Aquino was one of many political leaders who attempted to enter Fort Bonifacio grounds that evening, to offer support for Querubin's alleged move to oust Arroyo. Aquino had already joined calls for President Arroyo to resign in 2005, following allegations of cheating in the 2004 elections.
"Amidst Proclamation 1017 at that time, she (Aquino) braved the dark of the night and the anti-riot police to be one with the people in prayer. Through the years, I have learned to admire her bravery and courage very much. She was brave up to her final moments," Querubin said.
A Medal of Valor Awardee, Querubin is detained in Camp Aguinaldo, facing a mutiny charge for his alleged role in the standoff.
Querubin, former Army Scout Rangers chief Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, and then Marine commandant Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda allegedly planned to march to the EDSA Shrine and announce their withdrawal of support from Arroyo.
Cory had 'nerves of steel'
Meanwhile, former Philippine Constabulary (PC) Chief Maj. Gen. Ramon Montaño, a staunch defender of Cory Aquino during her presidency, said he admired Aquino for her bravery even during the toughest coups launched against her administration.
Montaño, who was then a ground commander of PC-Integrated National Police and head of the Metropolitan Police Force, said Aquino stayed composed during the first alleged coup attempt mounted by some groups in the military against her in July 1986. This happened just 4 months after she became president.
"The President just moved into the Palace and I was worried about her safety. We found out that she was cooking in the kitchen with teargas fumes swirling all over. She was unbothered and so calm as if her nerves were made of steel," he said.
Montaño said that Aquino remained just as calm during the "God Save the Queen" coup attempt in November 1986, as well as during a 1987 coup attempt when military rebels reached the Palace, burned the military's General Headquarters, and seized the Makati Business District for several days.
The 'Lady in Yellow'
He also described Aquino as "the picture of courage, confidence, and serenity" even during the toughest negotiations between Cabinet members and military rebels.
Montaño was one of many military officials who joined a "mutiny" against President Marcos in February 1986. He said they were afraid to go against the dictator at the time, but was heartened by former president Aquino and the crowds that lined EDSA during the famous "People Power" revolt, that sparked the end of Martial Law.
"We threw away these fears as we could feel the trust and the faith of the Filipino people in their chosen leader, President Corazon C. Aquino who inspired the whole nation to defy mighty tanks, gun ships and machine guns armed only with prayers and their faith in the Almighty," he said.
"The Lady in Yellow, then only known to the soldiers as the widow of the late Sen. [Benigno] "Ninoy" Aquino [Jr.], brought together the soldiers and the Filipino people," he said.
Montaño said that Aquino had symbolized "what is good and what is noble in the Filipino people", which became a unifying factor for many soldiers.
Former coup leader vs Cory salutes former commander in chief
***
It's surprising that even President Cory's enemies recognize her strength.
Fan bares Cory's message to OFWs
Fan bares Cory's message to OFWs
abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA - Former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino was an inspiration to many Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) because of her support to the country's "new heroes."
Rhoel Raymundo Mendoza was one of many OFWs who worked abroad when Aquino was president. He also worked for the Aquino family corporation, Jose Cojuangco and Sons, after graduating from the University of Santo Tomas in 1981.
Now a talent manager and graphic designer, Mendoza fondly keeps an autographed picture of Aquino, in which she sent him her "good wishes." The photo was signed in May 1986, just months after Aquino became president of the Philippines.
In an e-mail sent to ABS-CBN, Mendoza proudly shared that then President Aquino herself had conferred him the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Bagong Bayani Citation in December 1990. That night, Mendoza and his peers listened to Aquino's speech, honoring the awardees and all OFWs throughout the world.
The following is a copy of Aquino's speech that evening, sent to the "Filipino Overseas magazine" in 1995 upon Mendoza's request. In her speech, she thanked OFWs all over the world for their hard work and sacrifice for the country and their families.
"Sa mga minamahal kong kababayan,
Isang malaking kasiyahan sa akin na batiin ang libu-libong kinikilalang bagong bayani ng ekonomiya ng ating bansa.
Alam namin na kayo, bilang manggagawang Pilipino sa ibang bansa, ay nagtitiis ng ibayong lungkot, at nagsasakripisyo na na malayo sa inyong mga minamahal sa buhay. Subali't ang inyong pagpapasakit ay nakatutulong naman hindi lamang sa inyong sariling pamilya, higit din sa pagbangon ng ating ekonomiya. Taas-noong ipagmalaki ang inyong mga gawain, at buong husay at katapatan itong gampanan. Ang kahusayan at kasipagan ng mga Pilipino'y kinikilala sa buong mundo.
At habang malayo kayo sa ating bansa, sana'y huwag ninyo kalilimutan ang mga magagandang kaugalian at tradisyong Pilipino. Kami'y umaasa na ang The Overseas Filipino magazine ay magtutulay sa ating mga overseas workers na nasa iba't ibang bansa sa pagbibigay-alam sa mga pangyayari sa ating sariling bayan, pati na rin ang mayamang kaugalian at kakayahan ng Pilipino.
Patnubayan nawa kayo ng Poong Maykapal!
[signed, President Corazon C. Aquino]"
Aquino signed Executive Order No. 126, on January 30, 1998. The law reorganized the Ministry of Labor and Employment and renamed the Welfare Fund for Overseas Workers administration to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
Aquino is also credited for being the first to call OFWs "heroes," during a 1988 speech she gave to Hong Kong domestic helpers. abs-cbnNEWS.com. Photos courtesy of Rhoel Raymundo Mendoza.
Fan bares Cory's message to OFWs
***
I didn't know it was President Corazaon Aquino who first called us OFW's as "Heroes". Thank you!
abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA - Former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino was an inspiration to many Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) because of her support to the country's "new heroes."
Rhoel Raymundo Mendoza was one of many OFWs who worked abroad when Aquino was president. He also worked for the Aquino family corporation, Jose Cojuangco and Sons, after graduating from the University of Santo Tomas in 1981.
Now a talent manager and graphic designer, Mendoza fondly keeps an autographed picture of Aquino, in which she sent him her "good wishes." The photo was signed in May 1986, just months after Aquino became president of the Philippines.
In an e-mail sent to ABS-CBN, Mendoza proudly shared that then President Aquino herself had conferred him the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Bagong Bayani Citation in December 1990. That night, Mendoza and his peers listened to Aquino's speech, honoring the awardees and all OFWs throughout the world.
The following is a copy of Aquino's speech that evening, sent to the "Filipino Overseas magazine" in 1995 upon Mendoza's request. In her speech, she thanked OFWs all over the world for their hard work and sacrifice for the country and their families.
"Sa mga minamahal kong kababayan,
Isang malaking kasiyahan sa akin na batiin ang libu-libong kinikilalang bagong bayani ng ekonomiya ng ating bansa.
Alam namin na kayo, bilang manggagawang Pilipino sa ibang bansa, ay nagtitiis ng ibayong lungkot, at nagsasakripisyo na na malayo sa inyong mga minamahal sa buhay. Subali't ang inyong pagpapasakit ay nakatutulong naman hindi lamang sa inyong sariling pamilya, higit din sa pagbangon ng ating ekonomiya. Taas-noong ipagmalaki ang inyong mga gawain, at buong husay at katapatan itong gampanan. Ang kahusayan at kasipagan ng mga Pilipino'y kinikilala sa buong mundo.
At habang malayo kayo sa ating bansa, sana'y huwag ninyo kalilimutan ang mga magagandang kaugalian at tradisyong Pilipino. Kami'y umaasa na ang The Overseas Filipino magazine ay magtutulay sa ating mga overseas workers na nasa iba't ibang bansa sa pagbibigay-alam sa mga pangyayari sa ating sariling bayan, pati na rin ang mayamang kaugalian at kakayahan ng Pilipino.
Patnubayan nawa kayo ng Poong Maykapal!
[signed, President Corazon C. Aquino]"
Aquino signed Executive Order No. 126, on January 30, 1998. The law reorganized the Ministry of Labor and Employment and renamed the Welfare Fund for Overseas Workers administration to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
Aquino is also credited for being the first to call OFWs "heroes," during a 1988 speech she gave to Hong Kong domestic helpers. abs-cbnNEWS.com. Photos courtesy of Rhoel Raymundo Mendoza.
Fan bares Cory's message to OFWs
***
I didn't know it was President Corazaon Aquino who first called us OFW's as "Heroes". Thank you!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Thousands attend Corazon Aquino wake
Thousands attend Corazon Aquino wake
Weeping mourners have been paying their respects at the wake of former Philippines President Corazon Aquino, with some pledging to carry on her legacy by protecting the democracy she helped install 23 years ago.
Filipinos have been sensitive to any slide back toward autocratic rule since Ms Aquino and Roman Catholic leader Cardinal Jaime Sin led the 1986 "people power" revolt that ousted long-time dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
Thousands of people lined up for hours to pay their last respects to Ms Aquino at a suburban Manila university stadium, where her coffin was displayed on a platform teeming with yellow roses and orchids. Some mourners wept, others clutched protest mementoes such as yellow ribbons.
Her body will be moved today to Manila Cathedral to lie in state until Wednesday's funeral.
Ms Aquino, 76, died early Saturday at a Manila hospital after a yearlong battle with colon cancer.
Months before she was diagnosed with cancer, Ms Aquino joined street protests organised amid opposition fears that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo could amend the country's 1987 Constitution to lift term limits or impose martial law to stay in power when her term ends next year. President Arroyo said she has no desire to extend her term.
President Arroyo declared a 10-day national mourning period starting Saturday, and her aides said she would cut short a US trip.
Pope Benedict XVI expressed his condolences to Mrs Aquino's family and the Philippine government, recalling her "courageous commitment to the freedom of the Filipino people, her firm rejection of violence and intolerance," according to Manila Archbishop Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales.
US President Barack Obama was deeply saddened by Aquino's death, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said on Saturday.
Marcos' widow, Imelda, and former leader Joseph Estrada also expressed sadness at Ms Aquino's passing. Ms Aquino helped depose Estrada over alleged corruption in the second non-violent "People Power" revolt in 2001, but the two reconciled in recent years. He attended Ms Aquino's wake with his family.
"Let us now unite in prayers for Cory, the Filipino people and for our country," the 80-year-old Marcos told reporters in a church in Manila's Tondo slum district.
Marcos publicly sought prayers for Ms Aquino when she was ill, despite referring to her as a "usurper" and a "dictator" just weeks before.
Ms Aquino's youngest daughter Kris thanked the Marcos family in a rare reconciliatory gesture.
"I never thought that the time would come but I say 'thank you' to the Marcoses for really praying for mom. I felt the sincerity," she told ABS-CBN network in an interview.
She also said her mother had forgiven all her political enemies.
Nevertheless, Kris Aquino said her family refused President Arroyo's administration's offer of a state funeral because the government had attempted to recall two soldiers assigned to guard her mother when she was still alive.
Former Philippine presidents traditionally have the right to retain at least two guards.
Aquino's only son, Sen Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, said the family would not be too enthusiastic to see President Arroyo at the funeral but that she could pay her respects.
Ms Aquino rose to prominence after the assassination in 1983 of her husband, opposition leader Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.
A housewife who was reluctantly thrust into power, Ms Aquino struggled in office to meet high public expectations. Her land redistribution program fell short of ending economic domination by the landed elite. Her leadership, especially in social and economic reform, was often indecisive, leaving many of her closest allies disillusioned by the end of her term.
Still, the bespectacled, smiling woman in her trademark yellow dress remained beloved in the Philippines, where she was affectionately referred to as "Tita (Auntie) Cory."
Thousands attend Corazon Aquino wake
***
Even until death, there is still politicking!
Weeping mourners have been paying their respects at the wake of former Philippines President Corazon Aquino, with some pledging to carry on her legacy by protecting the democracy she helped install 23 years ago.
Filipinos have been sensitive to any slide back toward autocratic rule since Ms Aquino and Roman Catholic leader Cardinal Jaime Sin led the 1986 "people power" revolt that ousted long-time dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
Thousands of people lined up for hours to pay their last respects to Ms Aquino at a suburban Manila university stadium, where her coffin was displayed on a platform teeming with yellow roses and orchids. Some mourners wept, others clutched protest mementoes such as yellow ribbons.
Her body will be moved today to Manila Cathedral to lie in state until Wednesday's funeral.
Ms Aquino, 76, died early Saturday at a Manila hospital after a yearlong battle with colon cancer.
Months before she was diagnosed with cancer, Ms Aquino joined street protests organised amid opposition fears that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo could amend the country's 1987 Constitution to lift term limits or impose martial law to stay in power when her term ends next year. President Arroyo said she has no desire to extend her term.
President Arroyo declared a 10-day national mourning period starting Saturday, and her aides said she would cut short a US trip.
Pope Benedict XVI expressed his condolences to Mrs Aquino's family and the Philippine government, recalling her "courageous commitment to the freedom of the Filipino people, her firm rejection of violence and intolerance," according to Manila Archbishop Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales.
US President Barack Obama was deeply saddened by Aquino's death, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said on Saturday.
Marcos' widow, Imelda, and former leader Joseph Estrada also expressed sadness at Ms Aquino's passing. Ms Aquino helped depose Estrada over alleged corruption in the second non-violent "People Power" revolt in 2001, but the two reconciled in recent years. He attended Ms Aquino's wake with his family.
"Let us now unite in prayers for Cory, the Filipino people and for our country," the 80-year-old Marcos told reporters in a church in Manila's Tondo slum district.
Marcos publicly sought prayers for Ms Aquino when she was ill, despite referring to her as a "usurper" and a "dictator" just weeks before.
Ms Aquino's youngest daughter Kris thanked the Marcos family in a rare reconciliatory gesture.
"I never thought that the time would come but I say 'thank you' to the Marcoses for really praying for mom. I felt the sincerity," she told ABS-CBN network in an interview.
She also said her mother had forgiven all her political enemies.
Nevertheless, Kris Aquino said her family refused President Arroyo's administration's offer of a state funeral because the government had attempted to recall two soldiers assigned to guard her mother when she was still alive.
Former Philippine presidents traditionally have the right to retain at least two guards.
Aquino's only son, Sen Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, said the family would not be too enthusiastic to see President Arroyo at the funeral but that she could pay her respects.
Ms Aquino rose to prominence after the assassination in 1983 of her husband, opposition leader Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.
A housewife who was reluctantly thrust into power, Ms Aquino struggled in office to meet high public expectations. Her land redistribution program fell short of ending economic domination by the landed elite. Her leadership, especially in social and economic reform, was often indecisive, leaving many of her closest allies disillusioned by the end of her term.
Still, the bespectacled, smiling woman in her trademark yellow dress remained beloved in the Philippines, where she was affectionately referred to as "Tita (Auntie) Cory."
Thousands attend Corazon Aquino wake
***
Even until death, there is still politicking!
'Wala bang kape?' Online mourners pay tribute at first 'virtual wake'
'Wala bang kape?' Online mourners pay tribute at first 'virtual wake'
ALAN C. ROBLES
Some mourners were from faraway places. One mentioned Nepal, another Qatar, a third Sydney. Nearly all brought heartfelt tributes and expressions of love and admiration.
“Madam Tita Cory," said Jv Sayo, “you will always be in the hearts of every Filipino."
“We will never forget you," vowed Charito del Carmen.
“Ma'am Cory, thanks for the freedom we are enjoying today. It is now in our hands to continue the legacy you left us," wrote Tolits Garado.
The outpouring of grief and affection took place online, through the Cory Aquino tribute page set up by GMANews.TV. The page combined live streaming video of the wake with Twitter feeds and Facebook Connect, a feature of the popular Web 2.0 service that allows users to comment publicly about a single topic. GMANews.TV first used the technology to cover President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's State of the Nation Address, which elicited many tart and sarcastic remarks from visitors.
After GMANews.TV set up the tribute page on Saturday evening, it was clear right from the start that the mood of the visitors was warm and loving. The succession of messages that appeared in the FB panel was an online reflection of the reverence being shown by the rain-soaked crowds patiently standing in the streets outside La Salle Greenhills.
Rommel Nool wrote, “Our condolences to the AQUINO FAMILY... FROM ALL THE OFWs HERE IN SOUTH KOREA!"
And Ernie Soriano said, “President Cory, you will always be remembered... We love you."
Ling Aguilar posted: "You're just like my mom, loving unconditionally, the greatest mom in the world!"
Many were delighted they were able to join the wake through their computers. Kellah Joy Yocogco said, “This is a great idea to have a live video of Cory's wake. It (allows) Filipinos abroad to connect and join the grief of the rest of the Filipinos who lost 'a living epitome of democracy.' "
Some of the visitors wrote about how Cory had touched their hearts and lives. According to Evelyn Gorospe: “President Cory is a hero to every Filipino aspiring for peace in our country. She made me remember my late father (an Ilocano) who defied fellow Ilocanos and rallied for Cory, who brought me to Libis to witness the 1986 revolution and said Cory will set the Filipinos free."
Perhaps the most surprising thing was that, although people were posting tributes on their computers, many acted as if they really were physically present at the wake. When someone questioned Cory's achievements, and another visitor praised the dictator Ferdinand Marcos, they were quickly hushed up by the others.
“Guys," one of them said, “this is not a debate forum, this is a tribute site... Let us give some respect, thank u and god bless."
Another told the posters: “Why don't u just pray for our beloved tita. We are all aware of her greatness. Just pray while letting others give their respect. PLEASE."
A mourner wrote, as if muttering: “Sana may ignore button dito."
When the camera focused on one of the visitors, former president Joseph Estrada, some visitors became agitated. “Bakit puro Erap nasa video?" asked someone.
Although some started a few arguments, or posted pointless comments, generally the visitors got into the mood of the occasion. In fact, somebody joked: “Wala bang kape?" (What, no coffee?) - GMANews.TV
'Wala bang kape?' Online mourners pay tribute at first 'virtual wake'
***
I was watching the wake online. If someone joked, "wala bang kape?", I'm sure somewhere, merong nagsusugal.
ALAN C. ROBLES
Some mourners were from faraway places. One mentioned Nepal, another Qatar, a third Sydney. Nearly all brought heartfelt tributes and expressions of love and admiration.
“Madam Tita Cory," said Jv Sayo, “you will always be in the hearts of every Filipino."
“We will never forget you," vowed Charito del Carmen.
“Ma'am Cory, thanks for the freedom we are enjoying today. It is now in our hands to continue the legacy you left us," wrote Tolits Garado.
The outpouring of grief and affection took place online, through the Cory Aquino tribute page set up by GMANews.TV. The page combined live streaming video of the wake with Twitter feeds and Facebook Connect, a feature of the popular Web 2.0 service that allows users to comment publicly about a single topic. GMANews.TV first used the technology to cover President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's State of the Nation Address, which elicited many tart and sarcastic remarks from visitors.
After GMANews.TV set up the tribute page on Saturday evening, it was clear right from the start that the mood of the visitors was warm and loving. The succession of messages that appeared in the FB panel was an online reflection of the reverence being shown by the rain-soaked crowds patiently standing in the streets outside La Salle Greenhills.
Rommel Nool wrote, “Our condolences to the AQUINO FAMILY... FROM ALL THE OFWs HERE IN SOUTH KOREA!"
And Ernie Soriano said, “President Cory, you will always be remembered... We love you."
Ling Aguilar posted: "You're just like my mom, loving unconditionally, the greatest mom in the world!"
Many were delighted they were able to join the wake through their computers. Kellah Joy Yocogco said, “This is a great idea to have a live video of Cory's wake. It (allows) Filipinos abroad to connect and join the grief of the rest of the Filipinos who lost 'a living epitome of democracy.' "
Some of the visitors wrote about how Cory had touched their hearts and lives. According to Evelyn Gorospe: “President Cory is a hero to every Filipino aspiring for peace in our country. She made me remember my late father (an Ilocano) who defied fellow Ilocanos and rallied for Cory, who brought me to Libis to witness the 1986 revolution and said Cory will set the Filipinos free."
Perhaps the most surprising thing was that, although people were posting tributes on their computers, many acted as if they really were physically present at the wake. When someone questioned Cory's achievements, and another visitor praised the dictator Ferdinand Marcos, they were quickly hushed up by the others.
“Guys," one of them said, “this is not a debate forum, this is a tribute site... Let us give some respect, thank u and god bless."
Another told the posters: “Why don't u just pray for our beloved tita. We are all aware of her greatness. Just pray while letting others give their respect. PLEASE."
A mourner wrote, as if muttering: “Sana may ignore button dito."
When the camera focused on one of the visitors, former president Joseph Estrada, some visitors became agitated. “Bakit puro Erap nasa video?" asked someone.
Although some started a few arguments, or posted pointless comments, generally the visitors got into the mood of the occasion. In fact, somebody joked: “Wala bang kape?" (What, no coffee?) - GMANews.TV
'Wala bang kape?' Online mourners pay tribute at first 'virtual wake'
***
I was watching the wake online. If someone joked, "wala bang kape?", I'm sure somewhere, merong nagsusugal.
Cory Aquino, A Class Act
Cory Aquino, A Class Act
By Benjamin Pimentel
CALIFORNIA, United States—For the second time in less than 20 years, Filipinos are bidding farewell to Corazon Aquino. The first time was when she stepped down as president in 1992.
That was a significant event for many of my generation, the martial-law babies, who grew ruled by a dictator who held on to power for so long, most of us thought he’d be there forever. For in 1992, six years after the tyrant’s fall, a Filipino chief executive willingly handed over power to her elected successor. And she even did so with a happy smile on her face.
In fact, in the TV coverage of Fidel Ramos inauguration, Cory looked relieved.
Despite a disappointingly chaotic presidency, Mrs. Aquino left the stage with class. For me, one of the things that made her unique in the history of Philippine presidential politics is that, unlike recent and past leaders, she never tried to extend her term as president, and never once hinted that she was interested in staying longer in power.
In fact, in her six years in office, it seemed, at times, that Cory Aquino, the housewife-turned-political warrior did not really want the job. That she wasn’t really interested in, or comfortable with, the trappings of the presidency. That she would much rather take care of her family, away from the limelight.
To be sure, her time in office was not exactly the best of times for Filipinos.
Her husband Ninoy Aquino’s words before his assassination turned out to be prophetic: That the country was in such a deep mess that whoever takes over after Marcos would smell like horse manure after only six months in office. Cory Aquino’s standing as a leader never reached that low a point, but indeed, her presidency coincided with six of the most tumultuous years in recent Philippine history.
But in the end, she was still standing, a proud survivor.
In a way, Cory Aquino was like Rocky Balboa, the movie hero who became an accidental heavyweight challenger. Rocky knew he probably didn’t stand a chance, and so he set a more modest, though still formidable, goal: To go the distance, to still be on his feet when the final bell rings. To not be knocked out.
And Cory Aquino did just that. She took on the dictator, led the difficult transition from more than 20 years of Marcos, faced down challenges from the right, the left, and even the center.
Like Rocky in the first movie in the series, Cory probably “lost” by decision, if one were to evaluate the achievements of her administration. By the end of her term, Philippine society was still reeling from poverty and inequality. Corruption was still a major headache, and some say even got worse during her term. The political system had degenerated into a violent, mindless spectacle. Power outages sapped the energy of many Filipinos, many of whom simply left for greener pastures. Eventually the perception grew that Cory was more interested in advancing the interests of the affluent and the powerful.
And then there were the coup attempts, seven of them in six years, rebellions that at least twice came close to booting her out of power, and demoralized a country already reeling from mounting economic and social woes.
But in the eyes of many Filipinos, Cory, like Rocky, may have lost in a fight in which she faced tremendous odds—but she also came out a winner. Mainly because she held on, fought on, went the distance. She didn’t get knocked out.
And the transition ceremony in 1992 highlighted one of her greatest achievements. For the first time in decades, there was an orderly transfer of power, a sense of order in a society where chaos had reigned for so long.
I was a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle when I interviewed Mrs. Aquino four years later for a story on the 10th anniversary of the People Power uprising. Asked if there was ever a time when she thought of giving up, her answer was clear and short: “No.”
And on how being president changed her, Cory expounded on one of the key lessons she learned.
“Before I became president I was asked: How do you propose to run the government given your limited experience?” she told me. “And I said I believed that I could get 50 men and women who were honest and competent to help me run the government. At that time, I thought honesty and competence were the only requirements for getting good cabinet members.
“But after I became president—during the first few months of my term—I realized that there was a third quality very much needed in order to help me in the running of affairs. That was the ability to work well with others. With the honest and competent, I could have had all-star players. But if they did not possess the quality of being humble enough to get along well with others, then you did encounter many problems.”
What she said made me realize that one of her great strengths turned out to be one of her weaknesses. Her sincerity and the apparent simplicity of her leadership style helped rally and unite Filipinos during a critical time. But these weren’t enough, and perhaps even served as baggage, in the tougher task of rallying the best and the brightest of the land, many of who came from competing, even hostile, camps, to confront enormous hurdles.
Still, in light of the presidential disasters the Philippines has endured over the past decade, Cory Aquino’s leadership was a breath of fresh air that the country badly needs once again.
That’s certainly the case for many martial-law babies who may have been critical of how Cory ran the country, but now look back fondly to a time when the nightmare called Marcos finally ended, and a soft-spoken bespectacled woman in a yellow dress, preaching unity and Filipino pride, was suddenly in charge.
And now she’s gone.
A friend from UP, a martial-law baby, who also had been critical of Cory, wrote on his Facebook update, “Alone in the office, I cried. I remembered the times after the Aquino Assassination. We were so young then, so idealistic. Now, we’re older, scarred perhaps, but hopefully all the wiser. Cory was our moral compass, however we might have disagreed with her politics. Now that compass is gone.”
Another friend and fellow martial-law baby sent me a text message, having seen the long lines at La Salle Greenhills, “Cold and grey rainy morn without Cory.”
Paalam po, Presidente Aquino. At maraming salamat.
Cory Aquino, A Class Act
***
It is really difficult to bid farewell to a person who is considered a moral compass to the country.
By Benjamin Pimentel
CALIFORNIA, United States—For the second time in less than 20 years, Filipinos are bidding farewell to Corazon Aquino. The first time was when she stepped down as president in 1992.
That was a significant event for many of my generation, the martial-law babies, who grew ruled by a dictator who held on to power for so long, most of us thought he’d be there forever. For in 1992, six years after the tyrant’s fall, a Filipino chief executive willingly handed over power to her elected successor. And she even did so with a happy smile on her face.
In fact, in the TV coverage of Fidel Ramos inauguration, Cory looked relieved.
Despite a disappointingly chaotic presidency, Mrs. Aquino left the stage with class. For me, one of the things that made her unique in the history of Philippine presidential politics is that, unlike recent and past leaders, she never tried to extend her term as president, and never once hinted that she was interested in staying longer in power.
In fact, in her six years in office, it seemed, at times, that Cory Aquino, the housewife-turned-political warrior did not really want the job. That she wasn’t really interested in, or comfortable with, the trappings of the presidency. That she would much rather take care of her family, away from the limelight.
To be sure, her time in office was not exactly the best of times for Filipinos.
Her husband Ninoy Aquino’s words before his assassination turned out to be prophetic: That the country was in such a deep mess that whoever takes over after Marcos would smell like horse manure after only six months in office. Cory Aquino’s standing as a leader never reached that low a point, but indeed, her presidency coincided with six of the most tumultuous years in recent Philippine history.
But in the end, she was still standing, a proud survivor.
In a way, Cory Aquino was like Rocky Balboa, the movie hero who became an accidental heavyweight challenger. Rocky knew he probably didn’t stand a chance, and so he set a more modest, though still formidable, goal: To go the distance, to still be on his feet when the final bell rings. To not be knocked out.
And Cory Aquino did just that. She took on the dictator, led the difficult transition from more than 20 years of Marcos, faced down challenges from the right, the left, and even the center.
Like Rocky in the first movie in the series, Cory probably “lost” by decision, if one were to evaluate the achievements of her administration. By the end of her term, Philippine society was still reeling from poverty and inequality. Corruption was still a major headache, and some say even got worse during her term. The political system had degenerated into a violent, mindless spectacle. Power outages sapped the energy of many Filipinos, many of whom simply left for greener pastures. Eventually the perception grew that Cory was more interested in advancing the interests of the affluent and the powerful.
And then there were the coup attempts, seven of them in six years, rebellions that at least twice came close to booting her out of power, and demoralized a country already reeling from mounting economic and social woes.
But in the eyes of many Filipinos, Cory, like Rocky, may have lost in a fight in which she faced tremendous odds—but she also came out a winner. Mainly because she held on, fought on, went the distance. She didn’t get knocked out.
And the transition ceremony in 1992 highlighted one of her greatest achievements. For the first time in decades, there was an orderly transfer of power, a sense of order in a society where chaos had reigned for so long.
I was a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle when I interviewed Mrs. Aquino four years later for a story on the 10th anniversary of the People Power uprising. Asked if there was ever a time when she thought of giving up, her answer was clear and short: “No.”
And on how being president changed her, Cory expounded on one of the key lessons she learned.
“Before I became president I was asked: How do you propose to run the government given your limited experience?” she told me. “And I said I believed that I could get 50 men and women who were honest and competent to help me run the government. At that time, I thought honesty and competence were the only requirements for getting good cabinet members.
“But after I became president—during the first few months of my term—I realized that there was a third quality very much needed in order to help me in the running of affairs. That was the ability to work well with others. With the honest and competent, I could have had all-star players. But if they did not possess the quality of being humble enough to get along well with others, then you did encounter many problems.”
What she said made me realize that one of her great strengths turned out to be one of her weaknesses. Her sincerity and the apparent simplicity of her leadership style helped rally and unite Filipinos during a critical time. But these weren’t enough, and perhaps even served as baggage, in the tougher task of rallying the best and the brightest of the land, many of who came from competing, even hostile, camps, to confront enormous hurdles.
Still, in light of the presidential disasters the Philippines has endured over the past decade, Cory Aquino’s leadership was a breath of fresh air that the country badly needs once again.
That’s certainly the case for many martial-law babies who may have been critical of how Cory ran the country, but now look back fondly to a time when the nightmare called Marcos finally ended, and a soft-spoken bespectacled woman in a yellow dress, preaching unity and Filipino pride, was suddenly in charge.
And now she’s gone.
A friend from UP, a martial-law baby, who also had been critical of Cory, wrote on his Facebook update, “Alone in the office, I cried. I remembered the times after the Aquino Assassination. We were so young then, so idealistic. Now, we’re older, scarred perhaps, but hopefully all the wiser. Cory was our moral compass, however we might have disagreed with her politics. Now that compass is gone.”
Another friend and fellow martial-law baby sent me a text message, having seen the long lines at La Salle Greenhills, “Cold and grey rainy morn without Cory.”
Paalam po, Presidente Aquino. At maraming salamat.
Cory Aquino, A Class Act
***
It is really difficult to bid farewell to a person who is considered a moral compass to the country.
LP solons seek ‘Cory Aquino Day’ declaration
LP solons seek ‘Cory Aquino Day’ declaration
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
MANILA, Philippines – Members of the Liberal Party in the House of Representatives have proposed a “Cory Aquino Day” for the former President whom they hailed as a “great leader and heroine.”
Under Joint Resolution No. 40 filed Monday, 18 LP members proposed the declaration of “Cory Aquino Day” every January 25, the late President’s birthday.
Aquino, 76, passed away on August 1 after more than a year of battling colon cancer.
The resolution said it was fitting to mourn the passing of the former leader, condole with the Aquino family, and “uphold and protect democracy for which President Aquino lived and fought for.”
Aquino was married to the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., one of the stalwarts of LP, who served as its secretary general from 1969 until his assassination in 1983. Their son, Benigno III, an incumbent senator, is also an LP member.
“She’s known to be not just the Philippines’ but Asia’s Joan of Arc of Democracy… She never really wanted to lead but when asked to, she never wavered and restored democracy in this nation,” the resolution said.
And when it was time to “pass the baton,” Aquino selflessly did so to her successor.
“Even as a private citizen, she was the moral compass of the country, serving as a beacon to thwart attempts to curtail democracy and a leading figure in the fight for good governance. She was the nation’s pillar of strength and unity, in life and even in death. The nation lost a great leader and heroine,” it added.
The LP lawmakers hailed Aquino for the peaceful transition to democracy, for having a Constitution that asserted the country’s sovereignty and was imbued with nationalist ideals, for instituting the comprehensive agrarian reform program, for mothballing the highly-questionable and over-priced and debt-ridden Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, and for her efforts to advance the peace process with the insurgents.
The resolution was signed by Representatives Lorenzo R. Tañada III, Joseph Emilio A. Abaya, Maria Evita R. Arago, Proceso J. Alcala, Rozzano Rufino R. Biazon, Mary Mitzi L. Cajayon, Liwayway V. Chato, Glenn A. Chong, Solomon R. Chungalao,Paul R. Daza, Antonio A. Del Rosario, Magtanggol T. Gunigundo, Manuel N. Mamba, Hermilando I. Mandanas, Alvin S. Sandoval, Niel C. Tupas, jr., Alfonso V. Umali Jr., and Reynaldo S. Uy.
LP solons seek ‘Cory Aquino Day’ declaration
***
Do we declare holidays because we recognize the person, or are we doing this to ride on the publicity?
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
MANILA, Philippines – Members of the Liberal Party in the House of Representatives have proposed a “Cory Aquino Day” for the former President whom they hailed as a “great leader and heroine.”
Under Joint Resolution No. 40 filed Monday, 18 LP members proposed the declaration of “Cory Aquino Day” every January 25, the late President’s birthday.
Aquino, 76, passed away on August 1 after more than a year of battling colon cancer.
The resolution said it was fitting to mourn the passing of the former leader, condole with the Aquino family, and “uphold and protect democracy for which President Aquino lived and fought for.”
Aquino was married to the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., one of the stalwarts of LP, who served as its secretary general from 1969 until his assassination in 1983. Their son, Benigno III, an incumbent senator, is also an LP member.
“She’s known to be not just the Philippines’ but Asia’s Joan of Arc of Democracy… She never really wanted to lead but when asked to, she never wavered and restored democracy in this nation,” the resolution said.
And when it was time to “pass the baton,” Aquino selflessly did so to her successor.
“Even as a private citizen, she was the moral compass of the country, serving as a beacon to thwart attempts to curtail democracy and a leading figure in the fight for good governance. She was the nation’s pillar of strength and unity, in life and even in death. The nation lost a great leader and heroine,” it added.
The LP lawmakers hailed Aquino for the peaceful transition to democracy, for having a Constitution that asserted the country’s sovereignty and was imbued with nationalist ideals, for instituting the comprehensive agrarian reform program, for mothballing the highly-questionable and over-priced and debt-ridden Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, and for her efforts to advance the peace process with the insurgents.
The resolution was signed by Representatives Lorenzo R. Tañada III, Joseph Emilio A. Abaya, Maria Evita R. Arago, Proceso J. Alcala, Rozzano Rufino R. Biazon, Mary Mitzi L. Cajayon, Liwayway V. Chato, Glenn A. Chong, Solomon R. Chungalao,Paul R. Daza, Antonio A. Del Rosario, Magtanggol T. Gunigundo, Manuel N. Mamba, Hermilando I. Mandanas, Alvin S. Sandoval, Niel C. Tupas, jr., Alfonso V. Umali Jr., and Reynaldo S. Uy.
LP solons seek ‘Cory Aquino Day’ declaration
***
Do we declare holidays because we recognize the person, or are we doing this to ride on the publicity?
People Power relived during Aquino cortege in Manila
People Power relived during Aquino cortege in Manila
SOPHIA M. DEDACE, GMANews.TV
Not even the intermittent rains could stop hordes of mourners from going out to the streets to chant the name of former President Corazon Aquino as her remains were escorted through the Philippine capital's rain-soaked streets Monday.
The five-hour procession from the La Salle Greenhills to the Manila Cathedral, which was slowed by mobs of followers, traced some of the same streets where hundreds of thousands of protesters — inspired by the woman in a yellow dress — stopped military tanks 23 years ago and ousted the dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
The cortege, which left Mandaluyong City at about 11 a.m., was supposed to reach Intramuros in Manila at 2 p.m. However, with what the Aquino family said was an "overwhelming display of love and support," the convoy's duration stretched for five hours.
"The family knew how much the Filipinos loved her (Mrs. Aquino), but they did not anticipate that they (supporters) love her this much. The family is very happy. They cannot thank them (supporters) enough," said Deedee Siytangco, Mrs. Aquino's close aide and former spokesperson, in an interview with GMANews.TV.
On Monday, tens of thousands left their offices, schools and homes and converged on streets and overpasses, clutching clumps of yellow balloons, waving yellow ribbons and showering confetti on Aquino's flag-draped casket, carried on a flatbed truck bedecked with flowers. Yellow was the symbol of the nonviolent "people power" uprising that forced Marcos into exile in 1986.
People Power shrine
The convoy passed by the "People Power" shrine on EDSA, where hundreds of thousands of Mrs. Aquino’s supporters blocked Marcos' tanks in 1986. Supporters swamped some lanes along EDSA and several flyovers and footbridges.
Along Ayala Avenue, where Aquino led many pro-democracy marches, employees from high rise buildings rained yellow confetti on the crowds below — reminiscent of the anti-Marcos protests that Aquino led. [See: A rousing farewell on Cory's final ride down Ayala Avenue.]
Businessmen and young professionals also poured out into the streets to get a glimpse at Mrs. Aquino's casket, unmindful of the blistering noonday heat in Makati. A brief program led by Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay was held when the casket reached the monument of Cory Aquino's husband, Ninoy.
'Goodbye Cory'
Instead of the usual stock figures, the Philippine Stock Exchange's electronic board flashed Aquino's portrait and a message: "Goodbye Cory and Thank You So Much Cory."
Mang Nestor, a 75-year-old Makati-resident, said he could not pass up this opportunity to say farewell to Mrs. Aquino, who was a year older than he was. He drew out an analog camera and braved through the thick crowd to capture what he said was a defining moment in his life.
When the popular protest song "Bayan Ko" was played, Mang Nestor raised his fist while others flashed the "Laban" sign and nearly broke into tears, as if reliving the glory of the 1986 People Power Revolution.
Cory Aquino scores a 'first' in RP church
Aside from being the country's first woman chief executive, the late former President Corazon Aquino earned another "first" - the first layperson allowed to have her wake inside the Manila Cathedral.
Balanga Bishop Socrates Villegas said the holding of wakes in the cathedral is reserved only for the death of an archbishop of Manila.
“(To date), only the archbishops of Manila and Cory were given that honor," Villegas, a protégé of the late Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, said in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines Web site (www.cbcpnews.com).
The remains of Mrs. Aquino, who is known for her religiosity, were brought to the Manila Cathedral Monday afternoon, from the La Salle Greenhills gymnasium in Mandaluyong City.
Fr. Genardo Diwa, head of Manila Archdiocese’s Ministry on Liturgical Affairs, admitted they broke rules when they let Mrs. Aquino's wake take place at the Manila Cathedral.
“Wakes should really be held in parish churches only. So we broke all the rules here," Diwa admitted. - GMANews.TV
Along the three-lane Quirino Avenue, supporters flooded the streets, making only one lane passable. Students skipped classed to go out to see Aquino’s casket. Other people already on the streets touched the slow-moving truck carrying Mrs. Aquino's casket as they made the sign of the cross.
"They treat her as a saint. Who would not be overwhelmed by that? The family is happy that their mother is recognized as a beautiful woman who was deeply spiritual," said Siytangco.
Despite the rain, the crowds that stood along Roxas Boulevard did not move out. Some waved banners with the words "Cory, ipagdasal mo kami" (Cory, please pray for us) and "Cory, hindi ka nag-iisa" (Cory, you are not alone) while some carried portraits of the late Philippine leader.
Among those who lined the streets were government workers, members of the Marines, the Navy, and the Coast Guard, and even employees of the United States Embassy.
As sunshine broke through the clouds, a man on a bicycle released four doves. Manila's notorious traffic came to a standstill as drivers rolled down windows and put out their hands flashing Aquino's trademark "L'' sign for "laban," or "fight" in Filipino, her slogan in the campaign that toppled Marcos' 20-year repressive rule.
Many of the mourners — nuns, priests, students, wealthy residents and their uniformed maids — wore yellow, Aquino's favored color. Huge banners displayed "Thank You Corazon Aquino" and "You're Not Alone" — an Aquino slogan from the 1986 revolt.
Anticipation escalated into fever pitch when the cortege arrived at the final stop, Intramuros, where her children, former Cabinet members and fellow pro-democracy activists gathered for a Mass.
Her body will lie in state for public viewing until Wednesday's funeral.
"Ito yung pinakamaraming tao na nakita ko," said NBN-ZTE deal whistleblower Rodolfo Noel "Jun" Lozada Jr. said. Police had to form a human chain to prevent the crowd from going near the convoy.
Mrs. Aquino died early Saturday at the Makati Medical Center after a yearlong battle with colon cancer. She was 76.
She rose to prominence after the 1983 assassination of her husband upon his return from U.S. exile to challenge Marcos. She later led the largest funeral procession Manila had ever seen, with crowd estimates as high as 2 million, and emerged as a leader of a broad-based opposition movement.
1986 election
Marcos claimed victory over Aquino in a snap 1986 election, but the polls were widely seen as fraudulent. A group of military officers rebelled against him, triggering three days of "people power" protests by hundreds of thousands that finally toppled Marcos.
In office, Aquino struggled to meet high public expectations. Her land redistribution program fell short of ending economic domination by the landed elite. Her leadership, especially in social and economic reform, was often indecisive, leaving many of her closest allies disillusioned by the end of her term.
Still, the bespectacled, smiling woman remained beloved in the Philippines, where she was affectionately referred to as "Tita (Auntie) Cory."
She stepped down in 1992 after serving for six years.
Aquino will be buried beside her husband in a private funeral Wednesday.
Her youngest daughter Kris thanked the Marcos family in a rare conciliatory gesture and said her mother had forgiven all her political enemies.
Nevertheless, Kris Aquino said her family refused President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's offer of a state funeral because the government had attempted to recall two soldiers assigned to guard her mother when she was still alive. Former Philippine presidents traditionally have the right to retain at least two guards.
Aquino's only son, Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, said the family would not be too enthusiastic to see Arroyo at the funeral but she could pay her respects.
Months before she was diagnosed with cancer, Aquino joined street protests organized amid opposition fears that Arroyo could amend the country's 1987 constitution to lift term limits or impose martial law to stay in power when her term ends next year. Arroyo has said she has no desire to extend her term. - GMANews.TV
Original article: People Power relived during Aquino cortege in Manila
***
It's truly a sad day today, but it shows how one person, even to her death, is able to unite the nation.
SOPHIA M. DEDACE, GMANews.TV
Not even the intermittent rains could stop hordes of mourners from going out to the streets to chant the name of former President Corazon Aquino as her remains were escorted through the Philippine capital's rain-soaked streets Monday.
The five-hour procession from the La Salle Greenhills to the Manila Cathedral, which was slowed by mobs of followers, traced some of the same streets where hundreds of thousands of protesters — inspired by the woman in a yellow dress — stopped military tanks 23 years ago and ousted the dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
The cortege, which left Mandaluyong City at about 11 a.m., was supposed to reach Intramuros in Manila at 2 p.m. However, with what the Aquino family said was an "overwhelming display of love and support," the convoy's duration stretched for five hours.
"The family knew how much the Filipinos loved her (Mrs. Aquino), but they did not anticipate that they (supporters) love her this much. The family is very happy. They cannot thank them (supporters) enough," said Deedee Siytangco, Mrs. Aquino's close aide and former spokesperson, in an interview with GMANews.TV.
On Monday, tens of thousands left their offices, schools and homes and converged on streets and overpasses, clutching clumps of yellow balloons, waving yellow ribbons and showering confetti on Aquino's flag-draped casket, carried on a flatbed truck bedecked with flowers. Yellow was the symbol of the nonviolent "people power" uprising that forced Marcos into exile in 1986.
People Power shrine
The convoy passed by the "People Power" shrine on EDSA, where hundreds of thousands of Mrs. Aquino’s supporters blocked Marcos' tanks in 1986. Supporters swamped some lanes along EDSA and several flyovers and footbridges.
Along Ayala Avenue, where Aquino led many pro-democracy marches, employees from high rise buildings rained yellow confetti on the crowds below — reminiscent of the anti-Marcos protests that Aquino led. [See: A rousing farewell on Cory's final ride down Ayala Avenue.]
Businessmen and young professionals also poured out into the streets to get a glimpse at Mrs. Aquino's casket, unmindful of the blistering noonday heat in Makati. A brief program led by Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay was held when the casket reached the monument of Cory Aquino's husband, Ninoy.
'Goodbye Cory'
Instead of the usual stock figures, the Philippine Stock Exchange's electronic board flashed Aquino's portrait and a message: "Goodbye Cory and Thank You So Much Cory."
Mang Nestor, a 75-year-old Makati-resident, said he could not pass up this opportunity to say farewell to Mrs. Aquino, who was a year older than he was. He drew out an analog camera and braved through the thick crowd to capture what he said was a defining moment in his life.
When the popular protest song "Bayan Ko" was played, Mang Nestor raised his fist while others flashed the "Laban" sign and nearly broke into tears, as if reliving the glory of the 1986 People Power Revolution.
Cory Aquino scores a 'first' in RP church
Aside from being the country's first woman chief executive, the late former President Corazon Aquino earned another "first" - the first layperson allowed to have her wake inside the Manila Cathedral.
Balanga Bishop Socrates Villegas said the holding of wakes in the cathedral is reserved only for the death of an archbishop of Manila.
“(To date), only the archbishops of Manila and Cory were given that honor," Villegas, a protégé of the late Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, said in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines Web site (www.cbcpnews.com).
The remains of Mrs. Aquino, who is known for her religiosity, were brought to the Manila Cathedral Monday afternoon, from the La Salle Greenhills gymnasium in Mandaluyong City.
Fr. Genardo Diwa, head of Manila Archdiocese’s Ministry on Liturgical Affairs, admitted they broke rules when they let Mrs. Aquino's wake take place at the Manila Cathedral.
“Wakes should really be held in parish churches only. So we broke all the rules here," Diwa admitted. - GMANews.TV
Along the three-lane Quirino Avenue, supporters flooded the streets, making only one lane passable. Students skipped classed to go out to see Aquino’s casket. Other people already on the streets touched the slow-moving truck carrying Mrs. Aquino's casket as they made the sign of the cross.
"They treat her as a saint. Who would not be overwhelmed by that? The family is happy that their mother is recognized as a beautiful woman who was deeply spiritual," said Siytangco.
Despite the rain, the crowds that stood along Roxas Boulevard did not move out. Some waved banners with the words "Cory, ipagdasal mo kami" (Cory, please pray for us) and "Cory, hindi ka nag-iisa" (Cory, you are not alone) while some carried portraits of the late Philippine leader.
Among those who lined the streets were government workers, members of the Marines, the Navy, and the Coast Guard, and even employees of the United States Embassy.
As sunshine broke through the clouds, a man on a bicycle released four doves. Manila's notorious traffic came to a standstill as drivers rolled down windows and put out their hands flashing Aquino's trademark "L'' sign for "laban," or "fight" in Filipino, her slogan in the campaign that toppled Marcos' 20-year repressive rule.
Many of the mourners — nuns, priests, students, wealthy residents and their uniformed maids — wore yellow, Aquino's favored color. Huge banners displayed "Thank You Corazon Aquino" and "You're Not Alone" — an Aquino slogan from the 1986 revolt.
Anticipation escalated into fever pitch when the cortege arrived at the final stop, Intramuros, where her children, former Cabinet members and fellow pro-democracy activists gathered for a Mass.
Her body will lie in state for public viewing until Wednesday's funeral.
"Ito yung pinakamaraming tao na nakita ko," said NBN-ZTE deal whistleblower Rodolfo Noel "Jun" Lozada Jr. said. Police had to form a human chain to prevent the crowd from going near the convoy.
Mrs. Aquino died early Saturday at the Makati Medical Center after a yearlong battle with colon cancer. She was 76.
She rose to prominence after the 1983 assassination of her husband upon his return from U.S. exile to challenge Marcos. She later led the largest funeral procession Manila had ever seen, with crowd estimates as high as 2 million, and emerged as a leader of a broad-based opposition movement.
1986 election
Marcos claimed victory over Aquino in a snap 1986 election, but the polls were widely seen as fraudulent. A group of military officers rebelled against him, triggering three days of "people power" protests by hundreds of thousands that finally toppled Marcos.
In office, Aquino struggled to meet high public expectations. Her land redistribution program fell short of ending economic domination by the landed elite. Her leadership, especially in social and economic reform, was often indecisive, leaving many of her closest allies disillusioned by the end of her term.
Still, the bespectacled, smiling woman remained beloved in the Philippines, where she was affectionately referred to as "Tita (Auntie) Cory."
She stepped down in 1992 after serving for six years.
Aquino will be buried beside her husband in a private funeral Wednesday.
Her youngest daughter Kris thanked the Marcos family in a rare conciliatory gesture and said her mother had forgiven all her political enemies.
Nevertheless, Kris Aquino said her family refused President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's offer of a state funeral because the government had attempted to recall two soldiers assigned to guard her mother when she was still alive. Former Philippine presidents traditionally have the right to retain at least two guards.
Aquino's only son, Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, said the family would not be too enthusiastic to see Arroyo at the funeral but she could pay her respects.
Months before she was diagnosed with cancer, Aquino joined street protests organized amid opposition fears that Arroyo could amend the country's 1987 constitution to lift term limits or impose martial law to stay in power when her term ends next year. Arroyo has said she has no desire to extend her term. - GMANews.TV
Original article: People Power relived during Aquino cortege in Manila
***
It's truly a sad day today, but it shows how one person, even to her death, is able to unite the nation.
Grief, condolences and praise pour in for Cory
Grief, condolences and praise pour in for Cory
By Joe Avancena
AL-KHOBAR – Letters of condolences from community organizations in Eastern Province are pouring in, expressing grief over the passing of president Corazon C. Aquino, and gratitude and thanks for restoring democracy and sense of freedom in the Philippines.
Bong N. Dionisio, acting president of the Overseas Filipino Workers Congress-Eastern Province (OFWC - Eastern Province, KSA), thanked Aquino for restoring democracy in the Philippines.
The Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the All-Filipino Community & Sports Commission (AFCSCOM), Reggie Montana and Max Bringula, respectively, extended, on behalf of its affiliate members, heartfelt condolence in the passing away of Madam Corazon Aquino whom the Filipino people lovingly called Tita Cory.
“A symbol of democracy in the Philippines, Tita Cory would be truly missed as she epitomizes the real, true, humble servant the Filipino people ever had and seen for years during her term as the first woman president of the Philippines.
“The overseas Filipino workers in particular are grateful to Madam Cory for sacrificing her life ditto with his equally beloved husband Ninoy Aquino in bringing back democracy in the Philippines and ensuring that it will live on for years.
“We join the Filipino people in remembering the beloved lady and her legacy to the Philippines and in offering prayers to her family for comfort and strength and renewed hope for the Filipino people.”
Mary P. Tupas, president of ROAKEANON, said Tita Cory will stay forever in the hearts and mind of all Filipinos.
The Philippine Professional Organizations in Saudi Arabia (PPO-SA), through its chairman, Architect Leo Cefre, UAP, deeply expressed grief and sympathy of its members over Cory’s death.
“We want to express our deepest grief and sympathy to the family of Tita Cory. We greatly benefited from her leadership. Madam Cory’s legacy has many aspects, but the one most enduring was her vision to unite the Filipino in a very peaceful manner.
“Please accept our condolences at this difficult time. She was a remarkable woman and made diversity in the lives of many Filipino people.” – SG
GOODBYES ARE NOT FOREVER
(TITA CORY)
Goodbyes are not forever
And nor is it the end
When angels come to call away
A loved one or a friend.
The empty place that’s left behind
Within this world we know
Reminds us just how brief a stay
We have before we go.
So when it’s time to bid farewell
To one we’ll dearly miss
Let’s just say we’ll meet again
And promise them with this…
The true gift is that love remains
Although we now must part.
Until forever and beyond
I’ll keep you in my heart.
Wishing you comfort in your time of sorrow
Filipino Pop Music Club
Al-Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Grief, condolences and praise pour in for Cory
***
People around the world are mourning over the beloved president's death
By Joe Avancena
AL-KHOBAR – Letters of condolences from community organizations in Eastern Province are pouring in, expressing grief over the passing of president Corazon C. Aquino, and gratitude and thanks for restoring democracy and sense of freedom in the Philippines.
Bong N. Dionisio, acting president of the Overseas Filipino Workers Congress-Eastern Province (OFWC - Eastern Province, KSA), thanked Aquino for restoring democracy in the Philippines.
The Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the All-Filipino Community & Sports Commission (AFCSCOM), Reggie Montana and Max Bringula, respectively, extended, on behalf of its affiliate members, heartfelt condolence in the passing away of Madam Corazon Aquino whom the Filipino people lovingly called Tita Cory.
“A symbol of democracy in the Philippines, Tita Cory would be truly missed as she epitomizes the real, true, humble servant the Filipino people ever had and seen for years during her term as the first woman president of the Philippines.
“The overseas Filipino workers in particular are grateful to Madam Cory for sacrificing her life ditto with his equally beloved husband Ninoy Aquino in bringing back democracy in the Philippines and ensuring that it will live on for years.
“We join the Filipino people in remembering the beloved lady and her legacy to the Philippines and in offering prayers to her family for comfort and strength and renewed hope for the Filipino people.”
Mary P. Tupas, president of ROAKEANON, said Tita Cory will stay forever in the hearts and mind of all Filipinos.
The Philippine Professional Organizations in Saudi Arabia (PPO-SA), through its chairman, Architect Leo Cefre, UAP, deeply expressed grief and sympathy of its members over Cory’s death.
“We want to express our deepest grief and sympathy to the family of Tita Cory. We greatly benefited from her leadership. Madam Cory’s legacy has many aspects, but the one most enduring was her vision to unite the Filipino in a very peaceful manner.
“Please accept our condolences at this difficult time. She was a remarkable woman and made diversity in the lives of many Filipino people.” – SG
GOODBYES ARE NOT FOREVER
(TITA CORY)
Goodbyes are not forever
And nor is it the end
When angels come to call away
A loved one or a friend.
The empty place that’s left behind
Within this world we know
Reminds us just how brief a stay
We have before we go.
So when it’s time to bid farewell
To one we’ll dearly miss
Let’s just say we’ll meet again
And promise them with this…
The true gift is that love remains
Although we now must part.
Until forever and beyond
I’ll keep you in my heart.
Wishing you comfort in your time of sorrow
Filipino Pop Music Club
Al-Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Grief, condolences and praise pour in for Cory
***
People around the world are mourning over the beloved president's death
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