The late President Corazon C. Aquino, fondly known as Tita Cory, left an indelible mark on modern Philippine history. She embodied what many described as a quiet courage and a selflessness demanded of her generation. After the assassination of her husband, Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr., in 1983, the yellow movement surged once again, reshaping the nation’s political destiny.
At the time, I was about to graduate from college. Instead of focusing solely on commencement rites, I found myself drawn to protest rallies against the dictatorship. It was only later that I realized Marla Teopaco, President Aquino’s niece, had been my batchmate at De La Salle University in Manila.
In February 1986, the EDSA People Power Revolution unfolded and catapulted Tita Cory to the presidency. By then, I was working with the government’s Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) as an analyst.
In December 1986, several CITEM employees, myself included, volunteered to decorate the giant Christmas tree inside the Presidential Guest House. It was there that I had a rare opportunity to walk freely through the rooms. I saw Executive Secretary Joker Arroyo, speechwriter Teddy Boy Locsin, presidential spokesman Rene Saguisag, and Narcisa Escaler. I even dared to go up to the second floor, a privilege seldom granted.
Through presidential housekeeper Fritzi Aragon, I handed an article I had written, “My Memory of Ninoy,” published in The La Sallian in October 1983, to Ballsy Cruz, President Aquino’s eldest child, with the hope that it would be signed by the President. President Aquino was striking in her simplicity and humility. Seeing her up close filled me with deep respect.
Through presidential housekeeper Fritzi Aragon, I handed an article I had written, “My Memory of Ninoy,” published in The La Sallian in October 1983, to Ballsy Cruz, President Aquino’s eldest child, with the hope that it would be signed by the President. President Aquino was striking in her simplicity and humility. Seeing her up close filled me with deep respect.
In March 1989, Mother Teresa visited President Aquino. The two had first met years earlier, when Mrs. Aquino, before becoming president, frequented the Home for the Dying on Tayuman Street in Tondo, Manila. When I spoke with Mother Teresa during that visit, she told me plainly, “Corazon C. Aquino is a very good president.” I nodded in agreement.
That same year, President Aquino inaugurated the new Quezon Institute, which was blessed by Jaime Cardinal Sin. I vividly recall the words of Father Aloysius Schwartz, founder of the Sisters of Mary, who told me: “As she walked through these charity wards, President Aquino was like an angel of mercy. Her visit was a great therapy for the tuberculosis patients. She had a marvelous touch with them. It was a very touching experience and gave new hope to the patients.”
President Aquino also extended her support to Jesuit priest Fr. Pierre Tritz and the ERDA Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides education to destitute Filipino street children.
As Margie Juico, her appointments secretary, once told me, “Cory is a generous, kind-hearted woman. She tried her best to meet as many people as she could, especially those in depressed and remote areas in the provinces.”
During the attempted coup in 1989, Margie related that when she arrived at Arlegui, she found the First Family at prayer. President Aquino, she said, was calm and resolute, prepared even for the possibility of death. She asked Margie to fetch a priest from nearby San Beda. When they returned, they prayed together. President Aquino then handed Margie and the priest two packages, entrusting them with something precious in case anything should happen to her, and instructed Margie to go home to her family.
While in the car, Margie carefully examined the contents and broke down in tears. President Aquino had entrusted her with Senator Ninoy Aquino’s letters and diaries.
After her term ended, President Aquino devoted her time to the Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Foundation and other nongovernmental organizations. During the launch of the first Corazon C. Aquino Distinguished Administrative Chair in Business Management at De La Salle University, she shared a personal recollection:
“Popoy has always been very supportive of everything that Ninoy and I stood for, even when it was bad for one’s health to be associated with the Aquinos. I will never forget that every Christmas, Popoy would bring chicken ham for me to take to Ninoy in Fort Bonifacio. A chicken ham may not mean much today, but during martial law, it was a precious gift. It reminded Ninoy that there were still people outside who cared.”
She continued to be visible in people power movements and protest rallies, particularly when democracy was again under threat.
The last time I saw her in public was in February 2009, during the EDSA anniversary celebration with the La Salle Brothers. She presented a green-filled painting to Br. Armin Luistro, FSC, assisted by Melchor Mamaril, her security aide of 23 years.
Tita Cory will always be remembered for the moral courage she exemplified. She chose to do what she believed was right, regardless of consequence, especially during the most difficult moments, in service of truth, justice, and democracy.
President Corazon C. Aquino passed away on August 1, 2009. Yet her life was not in vain. Her memory continues to live in the minds and hearts of millions of Filipinos.
Tita Cory, patriot and heroine, you are not alone. We will continue the fight.
(Former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino celebrated her birthday on January 25, a day before my 66th birthday on January 26.)
* * *
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * *