AIZIEL D.

ORENSE
READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

Thank you America. That was the first statement on the last paragraph of

President Cory Aquino’s speech delivered on September 18, 1986 at the United States

Congress with U.S. lawmaker. Her speech was said to be for Filipino people, as well as

the whole world who witnessed the impoverishment of the Marcos’ administration;

students, researchers, political analysts.

It has been known that there was a feud between Marcos and Aquino’s family.

Ninoy Aquino, the husband of Cory and the number one oppositionist of Marcos was

detained in the North. For instance, Ninoy’s captivation and assassination on the latter

part much fuelled Cory’s determination to fight against the government and seek

alliance from the Americans.

Several years ago, Philippines had suffered from extreme thuggery by a

president who turned dictator and traitor to his oath and reigned for 21 years-Ferdinand

Marcos. Suspended the constitution and shut down the Congress, detained thousands

of others-Senators, publishers, and anyone who had spoken up for the democracy,

were killed. These statements were all included in Cory’s speech. It is very clear that the

speech tackles about the grief and holocaust act that everyone suffered on Marcos’

regime, and how Aquino challenged to stand against the dictator.

“Still we fought for honor and if only honor, we shall pay.” One of the most

significant line I’ve ever heard in my life. Telling us that the fight they started was not

wasted and it actually resulted a good fight against the administration.

 In my sentiment, I am really astonished to how the power of a woman stand from

the Caesar of Philippines back then. She proves that right after taking her oath, all the

task will eventually fall on her shoulder, fighting for the sake of freedom of the whole

country. The sorrow they endured because of the loss of Ninoy became her ink to write

more in the history of Philippine government and rulers. And how mighty she get when

she sought for help with Americans. However, I am wretched how others criticized the

late Ferdinand Marcos. We all know that the speech was from our lady of democracy

who brought freedom and peace to our country yet, we didn’t know the side of the other

side. The story behind the story, what if there are lots of what ifs’?. Yes, many died,

imprisoned with actually no due process from the court. No voice had been heard on

that time, anybody were mute for they were afraid of what can the dictator can do to

them.

Seriously, after I heard of this speech, I was so down as I also feel the broken

dreams of every Filipino especially the dreams of Mrs. Aquino for his beloved husband.

Nevertheless, we should not limit the contributions of Marcos regime to what had

happened to a certain family. Words already defined the loneliness they felt on that

ridiculous time. It was done. Already done and impossible to happen again.

At the end still, thanks to America for that exemplary action of goodness for us.