http://rtvm.gov.ph - President Corazon Aquino before the US Congress

RTVMalacanang16 minutes read

President Corazon Aquino, of the Philippines, delivers a powerful speech to the United States Congress, recounting the struggle for democracy and appealing for support amidst economic challenges and the burden of debt repayment. Despite differing views on aid and policy, Mrs. Aquino's message of peace, democracy, and freedom resonates across party lines, making her a celebrated figure in the United States.

Insights

  • Mrs. Aino, as President of the Philippines, shares the inspiring story of her husband Ninoy Akino's fight against dictatorship, leading to a revolution that restored democracy in the country, emphasizing the importance of people's support and sacrifices in achieving freedom and democracy.
  • President Corazon Aquino's speech at the United States Congress underscores her dedication to democracy, peace, and economic progress in the Philippines, appealing for understanding and support from the American people while navigating challenges such as debt repayment, economic struggles, and defense responsibilities in the pursuit of a stable democracy and improved quality of life for her citizens.

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Recent questions

  • Who is Mrs. Aino?

    Corazon Aquino

  • What led to Mrs. Aino's presidency?

    People's support and sacrifices

  • What challenges does Mrs. Aino face?

    Communist insurgency and foreign debt

  • What did Mrs. Aino emphasize in her speech?

    Commitment to democracy and peace

  • Why did Mrs. Aino appeal to the American people?

    Understanding and support for democracy

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Mrs. Aino's plea for democracy and support.

  • Mrs. Aino is accompanied by Jim Wright, likely the next Speaker of the House, and other Congressional leaders, including Senator Robert Dole and Democratic leader Robert Bird.
  • The reception for Mrs. Aino is exceptionally enthusiastic, transcending typical reactions for leaders entering the chamber, with emotions evident across party lines.
  • Mrs. Aino, as President of the Philippines, recounts the journey from grief over her husband's death to assuming the presidency and the nation's fight for freedom.
  • Her husband, Ninoy Akino, endured imprisonment, trials, and a fast in defiance of the dictatorship, embodying the spirit of democracy.
  • The people's support and sacrifices led to a revolution, culminating in Mrs. Aino's presidency and the restoration of democracy in the Philippines.
  • Despite challenges, including a communist insurgency and a significant foreign debt, Mrs. Aino is committed to maintaining peace, democracy, and economic progress in her country.
  • She emphasizes the importance of honoring the foreign debt while seeking fair conditions and assistance to address economic hardships faced by the Filipino people.
  • Mrs. Aino highlights the people's unwavering desire for democracy, even amidst poverty and insurgency, underscoring their commitment to building a better future.
  • The burden of debt repayment, economic struggles, and defense responsibilities weighs heavily on the Filipino people as they strive to establish a stable democracy and improve their quality of life.
  • Mrs. Aino appeals to the American people for understanding and support, recognizing their history of championing freedom and the shared values in the pursuit of democracy and prosperity.

26:27

Aquino's Congress Speech: Democracy, Peace, Freedom

  • President Corazon Aquino delivered a well-received speech before the joint session of the United States Congress, interrupted 10 times, emphasizing her commitment to democracy, desire to avoid bloodshed, and determination to keep the Philippines free. Mrs. Aquino's speech garnered enthusiastic responses, making her a celebrity in the country, with members of Congress eager to shake her hand and exchange greetings, despite differing stances on aid, policy, and concerns about communism and economic constraints.
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