EDITORIAL - Guiding light

Five years ago her death catapulted her son to the presidency, with a people tired of an endless stream of corruption scandals hoping he would do justice to the memory of Corazon Aquino and clean up government.

Today that enormous challenge is a work in progress, as the nation remembers “Tita Cory” on her death anniversary. Corazon Aquino was not perfect, and there are mixed reviews about her management skills as chief executive. But no one assails her personal courage, humility and integrity that rallied the people to bring down a dictatorship.

Today on her death anniversary, her only son is fending off criticism that he is defying the law and going around the Constitution, and shielding friends from prosecution for large-scale corruption and other misdeeds. At his State of the Nation Address, President Aquino choked with emotion as he recalled the legacy of his parents Cory and Ninoy. The President will have to do much more than a public display of emotion if he wants to institutionalize that legacy.

Upon retirement from government, Cory Aquino had pursued another form of people power: the empowerment of underprivileged sectors including the very poor, women and children. She also tried to play a role in pushing for good government. 

She would have taken pride in the fact that her only son is trying to do just that, even as he faces criticism and judicial rebuff for several of his governance initiatives. In considering his moves for the remainder of his presidency, the memory of Corazon Aquino can be a guiding light for her son. Cory Aquino led the way, in life and death.