Content and Context Analysis for Readings in Philippine History [GROUP 1]

Speech of Her Excellency Corazon C. Aquino President of the Philippines During the Joint Session of
the United States Congress

[Delivered at Washington, D.C., on September 18, 1986]

Primary Source & Background of The Author

 Born on January 25, 1933

 Became president after the murder of her husband, Benigno Aquino Jr., in 1983
 First female president until 1992
 Led the nonviolent People Power Revolution in 1986, successfully removing Marcos
 Focused on advancing good governance and reestablishing democratic institutions

Primary Source

 The texts and video of Cory Aquino's speech which covered wide range of relevant topics in the
U.S. Congress on September 18, 1986 serve as the primary sources for this topic.

Speech Structure

Introduction of Speech

 Personal loss and return to America

o Aquino begins by sharing her personal grief over the assassination of her husband,
Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., which propelled her back to America to seek support for
the Philippines’ struggle for democracy.
 Transition from grief to celebrating Philippine freedom
o She shifts from mourning to highlighting the resilience and spirit of the Filipino people,
celebrating their collective fight for freedom and democracy.

Body of Speech

 National mourning and recognition of Ninoy’s sacrifice

o Aquino emphasizes the profound impact of Ninoy’s sacrifice, uniting the nation in
mourning and recognition of his dedication to democratic ideals.
 Reflection on his role as a symbol of hope
o Ninoy’s legacy is portrayed as a beacon of hope, inspiring Filipinos to rise against
oppression and strive for a better future.

 Description of the dictatorship and Ninoy’s imprisonment

o She paints a picture of the oppressive dictatorship in the Philippines, detailing the
injustices, including Ninoy’s unjust imprisonment.
 The government's attempts to break his spirit
o Aquino recounts how the regime tried to demoralize Ninoy, yet he remained steadfast
in his convictions, undeterred by the government's efforts.
  Ninoy’s resilience and refusal to surrender to tyranny
o Ninoy’s courage and unwavering spirit in the face of tyranny serve as a testament to his
belief in freedom and justice.
 The pivotal moment of his assassination leading to a national awakening
o His assassination acts as a catalyst for a nationwide awakening, igniting a movement for
change and rallying the public against the dictatorship.
 Citizens’ response to Ninoy’s death
o Aquino highlights the outpouring of grief and anger from the Filipino people, which
transformed into a powerful demand for democratic reforms.
 Overview of the electoral struggles and the people's demand for democracy.
o Cory Aquino's U.S. Congress speech highlighted the Filipino people's struggle for
democracy, including the 1986 elections, which led to the People Power Revolution,
restoring democratic rule.
 Advocacy for peaceful restoration of democracy.
o Cory Aquino emphasized the peaceful restoration of democracy in the Philippines, citing
courage, faith, and non-violence as key to freedom. She defended her late husband's
belief in democracy, highlighting the People Power Revolution.
 Plans for constitutional reforms and governance.
o Cory Aquino's U.S. Congress speech outlined plans for constitutional reforms and
governance, emphasizing the people's revolution's goal of establishing a democratic,
transparent, accountable, and human rights-respecting government, replacing the old
dictatorship symbol.
 Discussion of the foreign debt and economic hardships.
o Cory Aquino addressed the Philippines' $26 billion foreign debt in a U.S. Congress
speech, advocating for a rational debt management approach and international
assistance to rebuild the economy and restore Filipino people's faith.
 Call for support from the United States.
o Cory Aquino urged the US for aid, trade, and investment to rebuild the Philippines after
years of dictatorship, aiming for a prosperous, democratic nation that can eventually
stand on its own.
 Request for America to assist in building democracy.
o Cory Aquino sought US support for strengthening democracy in the Philippines,
emphasizing individual rights, rule of law, and a collaborative effort for a just society.
 Emphasis on shared values and commitment to freedom.
o Cory Aquino emphasized the shared values of the Philippines and the United States,
emphasizing their commitment to freedom, justice, and human dignity, and their
potential for global democracy.

Conclusion

 Reflection on the journey toward democracy.

o Cory Aquino emphasized the ongoing journey towards democracy in the Philippines,
emphasizing the sacrifices and courage of its citizens to maintain and protect their
liberties.
  Invitation for continued partnership and support from the U.S. in preserving freedom.
o Cory Aquino urged the US to continue its partnership with the Philippines in preserving
democracy and freedom, aiming to strengthen their nations and inspire others for
democratic values.

Subject of the Speech

 The peaceful struggle to overthrow the Marcos dictatorship.

o Aquino emphasized the Philippines' struggle for democracy, highlighting the non-violent
overthrow of Marcos' dictatorship and her late husband's assassination as a key critic.
o A regime refers to a strict or authoritarian government, often controlled by a powerful
leader. The peaceful revolution against Ferdinand Marcos' regime was largely peaceful.
Why non-violent?

o Despite high tensions, non-violent demonstrations in the Philippines successfully forced

Marcos to step down, demonstrating peaceful resistance and restoring democracy, with
many soldiers defecting or refusing to attack.
o People Power Revolution took place from February 22 to 25, 1986
 The restoration of democracy through the People Power Revolution.
o Aquino highlighted the peaceful restoration of democracy in the Philippines,
highlighting the People Power Revolution as proof of a united, non-violent nation,
protected by the Bill of Rights.
 The economic recovery challenges faced by her administration.
o Aquino discussed the economic challenges faced by her government post Marcos' rule,
including corruption and financial issues, and requested U.S. assistance for rebuilding
the Philippines.
 Gratitude for U.S. support and the call for continued partnership.
o U.S. for supporting the democratic transition in the Philippines. She appealed for
continued partnership between the two countries to strengthen democracy, stability,
and economic prosperity in the region.
 A message of hope for the future of the Philippines, emphasizing reconciliation and democratic
ideals.
o Despite the challenges, Aquino conveyed a message of hope. She emphasized that the
Filipino people were determined to move forward with democratic ideals and values,
and asked the international community, particularly the U.S., for support in this journey.

Whole Content of the Speech

 U.S.-Philippines relationship. Historical Context

o She referenced the shared history of the two nations, emphasizing their long-standing
ties and cooperation.
 Democracy and Freedom
o Aquino focused on the struggle for democracy in the Philippines, sharing her personal
experience and the importance of restoring democratic governance after years of
dictatorship under Ferdinand Marcos.
  People Power Revolution
o She described the non-violent revolution that led to her presidency, celebrating the
unity and courage of the Filipino people in their fight for freedom.
 Economic Challenges
o Aquino addressed the economic difficulties faced by the Philippines, asking for support
from the U.S. to aid in rebuilding and stabilizing the economy.
 Human Rights
o She stressed the need for human rights protection and the importance of civil liberties,
calling for international attention to these issues.

Significant Events in the Philippine History that contribute to her speech

 Martial Law (1972)

o In 1972 which Marco’s dictatorship led to widespread oppression, igniting the pro-
democracy movement.
 Ninoy Aquino Assassination (1983)
o In 1983 which is her husband death fueled public outrage and unified opposition
against Marcos.
 People Power Revolution (1986)
o A peaceful uprising that ousted Marcos and installed Cory Aquino as president.
 1986 Snap Elections
o Electoral fraud by Marcos triggered mass protests and the eventual evolution.
 Cory Aquino’s Inauguration (1986)
o Marked the restoration of democracy after Marcos' regime.
 1987 Constitution
o Cory Aquino oversaw the creation of a new democratic constitution.
 Coup Attempts (1986-1989)
o Challenges to her government shaped her calls for national unity in speeches.

Whole Context

 Corazon Aquino, the first female president of the Philippines, delivered a speech to the U.S.
Congress on September 18, 1986, following the People Power Revolution.
 Aquino emphasized the Philippines' transition to democracy after Marcos' dictatorial rule,
emphasizing the struggle for freedom, justice, and human rights, highlighting political repression
and violence.
 Aquino sought US support for Philippines' democratic changes, emphasizing foreign aid,
investment, and rebuilding assistance, urging the US to recognize and continue supporting the
new government.
 Aquino emphasized the significance of grassroots movements and Filipinos' involvement in
democratic reforms, urging them to recognize the value of democracy and self-determination
beyond economic support.

Transcription of the speech

Speech of President Corazon Aquino during the Joint Session of the U.S. Congress, September 18, 1986
| Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines
  Aquino’s speech was penned by her speech writer, Teddy Locsin.

Structure of Speech

 32 paragraphs
 120 sentences
 2312 words
 12 Ninoy
 15 Him
 9 His

Which is total of 36

 23 democracy
 14 people
 9 dictatorship
 7 freedom
 1 poverty

According to the speech, Cory Aquino lost Ninoy 3 times.

1. First day of Martial Law (arrested)

2. Moved to another facility (arrested)
3. Death

The current situation of the country after the Marcos’s administration

 Oppressed situation for more than a decade

 Growing insurgency
 26 dollar foreign debt.