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Critical Analysis of President Corazon C. Aquino’s Speech Before the U.S. Congress

Introduction

On September 18, 1986, President Corazon C. Aquino delivered a powerful speech before the U.S. Congress. This speech came after the People Power Revolution, which peacefully ended Ferdinand Marcos' 20-year dictatorship and brought back democracy to the Philippines. Aquino, who became president after this revolution, stood as a symbol of hope, freedom, and democracy. Her speech was not just about her personal journey but also about the journey of her country and the importance of democracy. In this analysis, I will talk about the content of her speech, how she delivered it, and the impact it had on both the U.S. and the world. We will also look at the historical and political situation at the time and how her speech influenced U.S.-Philippine relations.

Background Information on President Corazon C. Aquino and the Political Context

Corazon “Cory” Aquino was not originally a politician. She became involved in politics after the assassination of her husband, Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., in 1983. Ninoy was one of the strongest voices against the Marcos dictatorship. His death shocked the nation and led to protests against Marcos, eventually leading to the People Power Revolution in 1986. This peaceful revolution removed Marcos from power and placed Aquino, a symbol of democracy, as the new president of the Philippines.

At the time of her speech, the Philippines was in a difficult situation. The country had just come out of a dictatorship, and Aquino was trying to rebuild the government and restore democracy. The economy was weak, and there was a growing communist insurgency. Aquino's speech before Congress was meant to ask for support from the U.S. to help the Philippines recover and strengthen its democracy.

Analysis of the Speech

Aquino’s speech was a combination of personal stories, historical context, and a call for support. It was well-crafted, emotional, and strategic. Below are some key points from her speech:

1.   Personal Story and Emotional Appeal
   Aquino starts her speech by talking about her personal loss—the death of her husband, Ninoy Aquino. She says, “Three years ago, I left America in grief to bury my husband Ninoy Aquino.” By sharing this personal story, Aquino connects with her audience on an emotional level. She shows that her fight for democracy is not just political but also deeply personal. This makes her message more relatable and powerful.

   She talks about how her husband’s death inspired the Filipino people to rise up and fight for their freedom. She says, “His death was my country’s resurrection.” This line highlights how Ninoy’s assassination became the turning point for the Philippines, leading to the People Power Revolution. Aquino uses her personal grief to symbolize the struggles of the entire nation, making her speech both touching and inspiring.

2.   Historical and Political Context
   Aquino gives her listeners a clear understanding of the situation in the Philippines before and after the revolution. She explains how Marcos suspended the constitution, shut down Congress, and ruled as a dictator. By sharing these details, she reminds the U.S. Congress of the importance of democracy and the deep struggles the Filipino people had to go through to restore it.

   She also talks about the long-standing relationship between the Philippines and the United States. Since the Philippines was once a U.S. colony, Aquino uses this connection to appeal for help. She emphasizes that supporting the Philippines is in the U.S.’s best interest because both countries share the same values of freedom and democracy.

3.   The Fight for Democracy
   One of the main themes of Aquino’s speech is the Filipino people’s fight for democracy. She speaks about the courage and determination of the people during the People Power Revolution, saying they stood firm in their belief in democracy, even when faced with violence and threats. She describes how women tied themselves to ballot boxes to protect their votes from being stolen, showing the commitment of the Filipino people to democratic values.

   Aquino makes it clear that while the revolution was peaceful, the fight for democracy is not over. The Philippines still faces many challenges, including a communist insurgency and economic problems. Aquino asks for the U.S.’s continued support to help the Philippines rebuild its democracy and strengthen its government institutions.

4.   Calls for U.S. Support
   Throughout the speech, Aquino repeatedly calls on the United States for support. She thanks the U.S. for its past help while emphasizing the need for continued assistance. Aquino is careful to frame her request as a partnership between two democratic nations, rather than simply asking for aid. She says, “We, the Filipinos, thank each of you for what you did for balancing America's strategic interest against human concerns.” This line shows her gratitude for the help the U.S. had already provided during the revolution, but it also implies that more support is needed. Aquino makes it clear that the Philippines is committed to democracy and peaceful governance, but rebuilding the country will require partnership and assistance from allies like the United States.

Aquino also talks about the importance of balancing U.S. strategic interests with human rights and democratic values. At the time, the Cold War was still ongoing, and the U.S. had significant interests in the Philippines due to its military bases there and its strategic location in Southeast Asia. By highlighting the Philippines' role in supporting democracy in the region, Aquino makes a strong case that helping her country recover is in America’s best interest, both morally and strategically.

5.   Vision for the Future
   In the latter part of her speech, Aquino lays out her vision for the future of the Philippines. She talks about her commitment to restoring full constitutional government and outlines the steps her administration is taking to rebuild the country’s democratic institutions. Aquino emphasizes that this process will be done peacefully and in accordance with democratic principles, saying, “As I came to power peacefully, so shall I keep it.”

   Aquino also highlights the importance of reconciliation and healing after years of dictatorship. She talks about her “contract with the people” to keep the peace and avoid bloodshed, stressing that her revolution was not about revenge, but about freedom and democracy. This message of peace and reconciliation is important because it shows that Aquino is not only focused on rebuilding the government but also on healing the divisions within Filipino society.

  Impact and Significance of the Speech

Aquino’s speech had a significant impact both in the U.S. and globally. For the U.S., it reaffirmed the strong historical and strategic ties between the two countries, while also highlighting the Philippines’ commitment to democracy. Aquino’s appeal for continued U.S. support resonated with many members of Congress, who saw the Philippines as a key ally in Southeast Asia, especially during the Cold War. Several U.S. lawmakers expressed admiration for Aquino’s leadership and were moved by her personal story and the peaceful revolution in her country.

The speech also had a broader global impact, as it symbolized the triumph of democracy over dictatorship. Aquino’s rise to power and the peaceful nature of the People Power Revolution inspired other movements for democracy around the world. Her address before the U.S. Congress sent a powerful message that even in the face of oppression, peaceful resistance and democratic ideals can prevail.

In the Philippines, the speech helped solidify Aquino’s position as a global leader and a symbol of hope for her people. It reinforced the country’s commitment to democracy and signaled to the world that the Philippines was ready to move forward as a free and democratic nation. The U.S. continued to provide financial and military support to the Philippines, helping Aquino’s government address the country’s economic problems and fight the communist insurgency.

  Conclusion

President Corazon C. Aquino’s speech before the U.S. Congress was a defining moment for both her presidency and the Philippines as a whole. Through her personal story, emotional appeal, and calls for continued support, Aquino was able to capture the attention of the U.S. Congress and the world. Her speech highlighted the sacrifices made by the Filipino people to restore democracy and emphasized the importance of international support in rebuilding the country.

Aquino’s speech was not just a plea for help; it was a celebration of democracy and a reminder of the shared values between the Philippines and the United States. Her message of peace, reconciliation, and hope resonated with audiences worldwide and helped strengthen the relationship between the two countries. Today, her speech remains a powerful example of how leadership, resilience, and a commitment to democratic ideals can inspire change and bring nations together.


  References:

1. Aquino, Corazon C. "Speech before the U.S. Congress." September 18, 1986. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZnnvbKyNCQ

2. Thompson, Mark R. The Anti-Marcos Struggles: Personalistic Rule and Democratic Transition in the Philippines. Yale University Press, 1995.  

3. Tadiar, Neferti Xina M. Fantasy-Production: Sexual Economies and Other Philippine Consequences for the New World Order. Hong Kong University Press, 2004.  
   
4. Abinales, Patricio N., and Amoroso, Donna J. State and Society in the Philippines. Rowman & Littlefield, 2005.  
   

5. Schirmer, Daniel B., and Stephen Rosskamm Shalom. The Philippines Reader: A History of Colonialism, Neocolonialism, Dictatorship, and Resistance. South End Press, 1987.  

6. Bonner, Raymond. Waltzing with a Dictator: The Marcoses and the Making of American Policy. Times Books, 1987.  
   

7. Thompson, Mark. "Cory Aquino and the People Power Revolution: The Philippines’ Democratic Icon’s Legacy 30 Years On." The Conversation, February 2016.  
   Available at: https://thediplomat.com/2016/02/philippine-people-power-thirty-years-on/