Being born as a martial law baby in the Philippines,when I was a kid I was wondring at that time that why is it we are not allowed to speak or talk critically of the government at that era??Everything was suppresed and there is even some bans and prohibitions and even curfews during that time which I can't really understand because I'm just a kid.And the then government system was a "pseudo democratic" .
Then came August 21 ,1983 came ,then opposition leader Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino the greatest rival of then ruler Marcos was killed by a 'mystery" man at the airport in Manila. People were enraged and the clamor for change grew,during the wake and funeral of Ninoy ,thousands of people flocked to pay respect for the fallen hero .And rallies and civil unrests everywhere were staged to show their sympathy and the call for changed as well,there was also a time for the confetti Wednesday which my father ,my mother's officemates and I were a part of.At that time the offices in Ayala and Binondo make and throw yellow confetti at around 3pm to show their protest against the dictatorship and with the slogan "tama na,sobra na,palitan na".
In 1986 then president Ferdinand Marcos called snap elections to prove that he is still the popular choice of the Filipino people.During those days the opposition was choosing who will be the flagbearer of the opposition and then came up with the widow of Ninoy,a simple housewife known as Corazon "Cory"Aquino.As I can recall one of the biggest "miting de avance" ever was during this Cory campaign millions of people went out to show their support for Cory and they want change and freedom back to our nation.After the results were tallied and dictator proclaimed again as the victor the people back then believed that the election outcome was a sham. Some civic groups and the opposition called for civil disobedience.Truly enough after a few days then defence chief Juan Ponce Enrile and General Fidel Ramos broke away with the Marcos Government.Then the Catholic church and some other sectors called for supporters to protect the opposition and the Enrile group known today as "People Power".To cut this long history short then ruler Marcos was unseated and replaced by the Cory Aquino and became the first female president in Asia. As I can remember I was in my first year in high school when this happened.
I may not be a big fan of all the policies of the Cory administration because I believe each individual has his own point of view when it comes to politics but I really admired the personality of Cory Aquino.Because in her I saw humility,pureness of heart,godly and simplicity the trait I really admired most.Even after her term as president she was still politically active during the EDSA2 and even the in the latter days,she always epitomizes the love for our country ,fairness and peace.And until her last breathe she reminds us to forgive and to be humble.
Thank you President Corazon Aquino for we regained our freedom and for fighting for what is just and right,for being selfless and for me your the Mother of Philippine Democracy.Your legacy will always be an inspiration and a part of us especially the martial law babies.
****PHOTO FROM THE INTERNET****
