Cory Aquino: Biography and Presidency

Historical Background

• Maria Corazon "Cory" Sumulong Cojuangco-Aquino was born on January 25, 1933, in Paniqui, Tarlac.
• Aquino passed away on August 1, 2009.
• Aquino served as the 11th President of the Philippines from February 25, 1986, to June 30, 1992, notably as the first female president in Asia.
• Aquino was a prominent figure in the 1986 People Power Revolution.
• Aquino was the symbol of democracy's restoration and the end of the Marcos Dictatorship in 1986.
• Aquino didn't initially plan to run for president, but she was encouraged and won the election on February 7, 1986.
• Former President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law on September 23, 1972, stripping citizens of democratic rights; Aquino's husband was arrested and imprisoned on charges of murder, illegal possession of firearms, and subversion.
• Teodoro Locsin Jr. wrote Aquino's speech.
• Aquino was declared the Philippines' first female president on February 25, 1986.
• In 2008, Aquino was diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer, which led to her death on August 1, 2009.

Reason for the Speech

• The speech marked a significant moment in the relationship between the Philippines and the United States.
• The speech provided President Aquino with an opportunity to share her vision for the Philippines.
• The speech allowed Aquino to update the U.S. government on her administration's progress.
• The speech allowed Aquino to seek support for the country's political and economic stability.
• The speech emphasized democratic values and rebuilding the Philippines after the Marcos regime.
• The speech addressed Ninoy's unwavering character, conviction, and opposition to Ferdinand Marcos' authoritarian rule.
• Aquino shared the emotional impact of losing Ninoy, culminating in his death on August 21, 1983.

Content of Speech

• In the speech's introduction, Aquino spoke about her late husband, his sacrifices, tortures, and death.
• The speech shared Ninoy's journey for the Philippines' independence and freedom from the Marcos regime.
• The speech highlighted the harsh realities during Marcos' regime, such as suspending the constitution and detaining senators, publishers, writers, and anyone speaking about democracy.
• Aquino thanked those in the audience who played a part in changing the policy of the United States towards the Philippines.
• The speech highlighted Filipinos' disagreement with Marcos' victory, which led to protests that proclaimed Aquino as president.
• The speech reminded the audience about the government system under Marcos, highlighting violations of human rights and the disempowerment of those opposing bad governance.
• Aquino stated she would not betray the cause of peace that brought her to power and would stand firm against insurgents threatening the country's new freedom.
• Before ending, Aquino related the fulfillment of new democracy to the achievement of good governance in the Americas.

Relevance of Benigno Aquino, Jr. to the Dictatorship

• Corazon Aquino began by recognizing the efforts and sacrifices of her husband, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino.
• Former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. viewed Ninoy Aquino as a threat, one of the biggest oppositions during his presidency.
• Ninoy and other Filipinos were detained in 1972.
• After being detained, Ninoy was assassinated in 1983.
• This ignited mass protests and united Filipinos against the oppressive regime of President Ferdinand Marcos.

Historical Context Analysis

• Corazon Aquino delivered her speech to the Joint Session of the US Congress on September 18, 1986, with assistance from President's Secretary Teodoro "Teddy Boy" Locsin Jr. between April and September.
• The speech was delivered in Washington D.C.
• The speech symbolized the end of the Marcos dictatorship and the dawn of a new democratic era.
• Aquino's speech was a heartfelt appeal for freedom and democracy, resonating with audiences globally, offering a firsthand perspective on the People Power Revolution and the challenges after the Marcos regime.
• It serves as an important historical record of the struggle for democracy in the Philippines and the United States' role in that fight.
• The speech is a political speech delivered by Corazon Aquino to a joint session of the US Congress in September 1986.
• As the newly installed president of the Philippines after the People Power Revolution, Aquino's speech aimed to secure US support for the country's democracy.
• The speech's content and viewpoint were shaped by the revolution, the Cold War, and the Philippines' need for economic and political stability.
• As a speech, it allowed Aquino to express her thoughts sincerely, conveying her emotions effectively, making her message powerful and relatable.
• Aquino delivered her speech before the U.S. Congress on September 18, 1986, shortly after the People Power Revolution ousted Ferdinand Marcos, to seek U.S. support for economic recovery and political stability.
• Ninoy's assassination contributed to the People Power Revolution that removed Ferdinand Marcos Sr. from power and allowed Cory to become president.
• On September 18, 1986, months after becoming president, she delivered her speech to a joint session of the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C.
• Her speech illustrated the differences in leadership and governance from her predecessor; standing at the U.S. Congress, she mentioned the support for democracy and the need to restore the nation's economy, highlighting that the nation had $26 billion of debt.
• Aquino highlighted the peaceful revolution that allowed the Philippines and Filipinos to regain democracy.

Explore the life and presidency of Corazon Aquino, the 11th President of the Philippines and the first female president in Asia. Cory Aquino was a key figure in the 1986 People Power Revolution and a symbol of the restoration of democracy. This lesson covers her early life, rise to power, and impact on Philippine history.