The people remember her as the bespectacled woman in
her trademark yellow dress. Hers is an image that came to symbolize
people power and later, democratic governance.
With the elegance and confidence of a former president, Corazon Cojuangco
Aquino or simply Cory is still around, participating in public discussions
on national issues. These days, she is often seen alongside Manila Archbishop
Jaime Cardinal Sin who, as always, is vocal in his political opinions.
Although Cory could only watch at how sophisticated this nation has
grown since the late President Ferdinand Marcos imposed Martial Law
in September 1972, she remains a moral force in Philippine politics.
She said she would continue to help preserve the country's democracy,
the legacy left by her six-year administration in 1992.
At 67, Cory who stays at their matriarchal home in Dasmariñas
has a rich experience to cherish. She admits that she never thought
of becoming the political figure that she is today, although politics
was in her family's blood. She was born to a wealthy and politically
prominent family on January 25, 1933 in Tarlac. Her parents -- Jose
Cojuangco, a three-term congressman and Demetria Sumulong, a pharmacist
and daughter of a senator -- were among the most influential names in
Central Luzon.
She completed her elementary education at Saint Scholastica's College
and high school at Notre Dame Convent School in New York. She earned
her degree, Bachelor of Arts in French and Mathematics at Mount Saint
Vincent Convent, New York. In 1956, she was planning to take up law
at the Far Eastern University when Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino
came into her life.
Her life was dramatically changed by Ninoy who in 1972 was a senator
and the most ardent critic of Marcos. As Ninoy became successful in
politics, Cory became the ideal wife and mother to five. The years that
followed saw her visiting Ninoy at the cells of Fort Bonifacio where
he was held as a political prisoner. Afterwards, the Aquino family lived
in exile in the United States.
It was on August 21, 1983, the day Ninoy was assasinated at the tarmac
of Manila International Airport that Cory was placed into the spotlight.
The people saw in her the continuation of Ninoy's political quest for
democracy. Followed by foreign and local press, Cory led street rallies
that forced President Marcos to announce a snap presidential election.
The movement led by Cory against the dictatorial rule resulted in the
"People Power Revolution" that overthrew the Marcos government
in February 1986. Once in power, Cory ordered all political prisoners
freed and built the machinery for democracy.
Cory ordered the dismantling of monopolies controlled by the cronies
of President Marcos. The economy showed signs of recovery but the series
of political struggles and natural calamities that ensued threatened
the gains made by her administration. Her presidency survived seven
military revolts, typhoons, drought, energy crisis, a major earthquake
and a volcanic eruption.
But this period also saw Cory gaining the attention of the world. She
received international awards such as the Time Magazine's Woman of the
Year, the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award, the United Nations Silver
Medal and the Canadian International Prize for Freedom. She was cited
for setting the example of nonviolent movement for democracy which later
was also tested in Burma, South Africa, Poland and Chile.
In 1992, Cory finished her term and Fidel Ramos, her chosen successor,
took over the reins of government. Back in private life, Cory kept herself
busy by giving speeches and receiving awards in Hong Kong, Seville,
Paris, London, Boston, New York and Washington. She became an active
goodwill ambassador and a vocal advocate of human rights and women's
issues.
These days, Cory tries her hands in painting and cooking, two things
she did not have the time to do when she was a president. She also has
longer time for reflection and it seems she is now more of a religious
than a political person. She says the most important things to her right
now are family and prayer.
