Corazon Aquino, the 11th president of the Philippines, is celebrated for her role in leading the country through a peaceful revolution that ousted the Marcos dictatorship. Aquino's leadership and courage during the People Power Revolution in 1986 restored democracy in the Philippines. Her legacy is marked by her steadfast commitment to justice, democracy, and human rights, inspiring generations of Filipinos and global citizens to stand up for freedom and governance rooted in integrity. Aquino's life exemplifies the power of nonviolent resistance and the transformative impact of civic courage.
"It is true you cannot eat freedom and you cannot power machinery with democracy. But then neither can political prisoners turn on the light in the cells of a dictatorship."
"I've reached a point in life where it's no longer necessary to try to impress. If they like me the way I am, that's good. If they don't, that's too bad."
"I know my limitations, and I don't like politics. I was only involved because of my husband."
"National leaders who find themselves wilting under the withering criticisms by members of the media, would do well not to take such criticism personally but to regard the media as their allies in keeping the government clean and honest, its services."
"Freedom of expression - in particular, freedom of the press - guarantees popular participation in the decisions and actions of government, and popular participation is the essence of our democracy."