Cory's unfinished business

A human being’s life may be snuffed out but, for an exceptional few, the essence of that life will live on. Such was Corazon Aquino’s.

There are a myriad of ways to remember Cory. The martyred wife of Ninoy, the opposition senator who chose to risk – and lost – his life by defying Marcos’s autocratic regime. The woman who rose beyond personal grief to carry on her dead husband’s crusade.

She is also known as the occupant of Arlegui House, the only president of the Republic who chose to hold office outside the more formal confines of Malacanang Palace’s main quarters. And who can forget that she is the very first woman president of this country.

Yellow had always been Cory’s color. Even if she made it to Time’s cover clad in a red suit, people remember her more vividly as the lady in yellow who pledged to serve her country in 1986 after leading a bloodless people’s revolt.

Simple mahjong afternoon sessions during her term were a whiff of charm to the musty formality of Presidential life. Quite so different from the scandalously all-night and high-stake table game that another president after her years was infamously known for.

Cory had a reputation for being “matigas ang ulo,” at least to those who gave advice but were unheeded. Had she been a man, her decision would have been acknowledged and respected as being of a firm hand.

Trust above all

She made some unpopular decisions during her time, as leaders are wont to do. But she continued to reap popular support because the Filipino never faltered in its trust on her ability to decide, without any tinge of self motivation, what was best for all.

She had proven that taking on the mantle of the highest form of leadership in this country was possible and effective without the trapping of traditional politics – no under-the-table or shady deals, no horse-trading, no personal gains.

It was this unwavering trust in any and all of her decisions that endeared Cory to the nation. Without Cory, EDSA I would not have succeeded. Without Cory, EDSA II may not have happened. Without Cory, EDSA III fell flat on its face.

Succeeding administrations to Cory’s term had found shoes that were too big to fill in. Which is why, even after her Malacanang stint, Cory still found herself dragged from time to time into the vortex of nation-building, especially when there were perceived threats to its democratic freedom.

The heart of a civil movement

After her term, Cory became more entrenched in a civil society that was spawned by the first People Power movement behind EDSA I. Rightly or wrongly, this had espoused the extra-legal ouster of the perceived morally decayed and inept Erap administration.

This civil movement had also paved the way for the ascension of the current government under Arroyo, something that Cory in several occasions had publicly expressed disappointment in.

Cory had hoped that a new leader after Erap’s apparent excesses would bring back on track the ever fragile movement of setting straight and strengthening the country’s moral regeneration. And as one scandal after another rocked the current administration, Cory stepped back to the streets.

Even as her personal battle against cancer was draining her of precious energy, Cory would put in an appearance in opposition rallies – if only to continue reminding people that the battle was still not over.

Not over

If we have lost Cory in the midst of the fighting, let us not be disheartened or distracted. She was more than a comrade-in-arms as the nation battled the demons of corruption and political greed.

We will remember you Cory for your unrelenting and tireless fight to slay what many are already conceding as a quixotic crusade. We will be inspired by your focused determination. We owe it to you who have fought to keep democracy alive to continue the fight.

Rest your weary body, Cory. We who still live take inspiration that your ideals will continue to thrive as we each do our part in preserving to strengthen honor, dignity and selflessness in the service of the country.

Be at peace, Cory. Your light shall shine on.

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