Cory Aquino source of strength during Martial Law, Noy says

MANILA, Philippines — On the ninth year of death of late President Corazon Aquino, former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III recalled how his mother stood for their family during Martial Law.

The former president went to Manila Memorial Park on Wednesday afternoon to commemorate the passing of his mother.

He said Cory stood both as a mother and father after his father was assassinated.

“’Yung continuity na andoon siya, it helped us to grow, understand our condition, fortify our spirits for all the struggles,” Noynoy recalled.

But the former president noted that while he and his sisters miss their mother, “in a sense, we’re glad that she does not have to see what is happening in our country.”

Cory's life reminds strength of Filipinos

Meanwhile, opposition Sen. Leila De Lima recalled the “significant contributions” of the late president as a “woman, leader, Filipina and mother of democracy.”

She also recalled that Aquino has steered the country from the 21-year strongman rule of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. This, even after her husband, late Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., was assassinated upon his arrival at the airport.

But De Lima raised that Aquino’s “effort to regain the country’s democracy might be put into waste with the emerging return of the dark chapter in the Philippine history under [President Rodrigo Duterte].”

The senator, known for her strong opposition against Duterte, cited the spate of killings under the present administration as reminiscent of the Marcos era.

“This is happening to our nation because we are letting it happen. This is due to the reign of fear and silence of many. But we have proven that in the courage of one Cory Aquino and the millions of honorable and united Filipino people, we can usher in the light of hope and justice in our society,” she added in Filipino.

De Lima said that in commemorating Aquino’s death, Filipinos “should revive... [a] sense of bravery in standing up against the continuing injustices happening under the Duterte regime.”

Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, for his part, remembered Aquino as “primarily a loving, thoughtful, humble and gracious aunt.”

“She inspired a generation to continue the work of safeguarding our freedom and improving the lives of our countrymen,” the lawmaker added.

The senator recalled words of his aunt on her death anniversary: “I don’t have any formula for ousting a dictator or building democracy. All I can suggest is to forget about yourself and just think of your people. It’s always the people who make things happen.”

Bam said that the late president reminds people that the unity of the Filipino people can move the country forward.

Cory served as the Philippine president from 1986 to 1992. She passed away at the age of 76 in 2009 due to colon cancer. — Kristine Joy Patag