For most Filipinos, ex-President Maria Corazon Cojuanco Aquino will be fondly remembered as "Tita Cory". I will also remember her as a simple housewife in yellow, who was thrusted into the world of politics as the unifying figure for the opposition against ex-President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos. She continued the fight of his late husband Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino who was assasinated during the Marcos years. It's a sea of yellow during her presidential campaign.
Her reign as President of the Philippines is not that smooth sailing because a faction of the military is being used to snatch power in favor of the coup d' etat mastermind, whoever he is.
Tita Cory died at the age of 76 after a yearlong battle of colon cancer. Her youngest daughter, Kris Aquino-Yap, a popular TV and movie personality narrates in between sobs and tears their family's last few days with Tita Cory. Even some closest friends and allies are invited to be with Tita Cory during those days, including the former president Joseph Ejercito Estrada whom Tita Cory helped to oust due to rumors of corruption. In that emotional interview, Kris said the family forgave and thanked the Marcoses for the prayers. On the otherhand, she rebuff the Arroyos for their lukewarm approach with regards to Malacanang's giving of state honors for Tita Cory. Added to this is the incident last July which Kris thought that the security blanket of Tita Cory is being taken away. She said further " it hurt me because I understand politics and I understand that if you have influence, you inconvenience your enemies. It's my mom's right to have security. We just wanted the respect due my mom, a former President. Don't take away my mom's security blanket." Arroyo apologized and made the military explain about the incident. General Victor Ibrado denied the pull-out and said that it is just a bureaucratic slip-up. Noynoy, the son of Tita Cory didn't buy that alibi but said he doesn't blame the military for they are just following the President. Ahhh... this present administration really has sincerity issues. Saying one thing and doing another. Oh, well...
As of this moment, her remains lies in state at Manila Cathedral. People are still trooping hoping to pay their last respect to Tita Cory regardless of the heavy rains. Her burial will be on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at Manila Memorial besides his husband, ex-Senator Ninoy Aquino.
No comments:
Post a Comment