SPEECH OF PRESIDENT

CORAZON C. AQUINO BEFORE

THE JOINT SESSION OF THE
UNITED STATES CONGRESS.
SEPTEMBER 18, 1986
 The downfall of the dictatorial
regime of Ferdinand Marcos
Assassination of former Senator
HISTORICAL Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. (Aug.
CONTEXT 21, 1983)
Unstable government of Marcos
because of various oppositions that
pushed him to resign
 The occurrence of a SNAP ELECTION
Marcos still won the election because of
rampant cheating
Aquino protested and this led into a four-
HISTORICAL day PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTION
CONTEXT Marcos was forced to leave for Hawaii
(where he really wanted to be in Paoay,
Ilocos)
Cory became the new president of the
Republic of the Philippines
 The Philippines was not in full-
condition after the authoritarian regime
The economy of the country is very
unstable
HISTORICAL Cory Aquino flew to the United States
CONTEXT and sought for financial aid to help the
country
She spoke before the United States
Congress, in front of various
personalities, statesmen and
businessmen
 MARIA CORAZON “CORY” COJUANGCO
AQUINO
JANUARY 25, 1933- AUGUST 1, 2009
Lived most of her life as a politician’s life
ABOUT THE Became the Philippine President after
SPEAKER the long opposition against the Marcos
regime (imprisonment of Ninoy,
Assassination of Ninoy, Snap Election,
People Power Revolution)
 Pros of Aquino’s Administration
 Restored the Philippine Democracy
 New Constitution was written
ABOUT THE  Congress was elected
SPEAKER
Cons of Aquino’s Administration
 Failed to enforce social and economic reforms
 Communist insurgency continued
 Speech was tasked to be
written by Cory’s
Executive Secretary
TEODORO “TEDDY
ABOUT THE BOY” LOCSIN, JR.
SPEECH However he was not able
to finish it Teddy Boy Locsin

Cory finished the draft

Half an hour
 Washington, D. C.
THE SPEECH
September 18, 1986
Joint Session of the United
States Congress
 Declared herself as the President of the
Free People
Expounded the cries of the Filipinos
regarding the President- turned-
Important dictator
Points of the Demolition of democratic institutions
Speech (Press, Congress, Independence,
Protection of the Bill of Rights)
Imprisonment of Ninoy in US for 3 years
  Democracy must be defended by arms when it is
attacked by arms and by truth when it is
attacked by lies. – Archibald Macleish
Important
Points of the
 As President, I will not betray the cause of peace
Speech by which I came to power. Yet equally, and gain
no friend of Filipino democracy will challenge
this. – Corazon Aquino
 Like Lincoln, I understand that force may
be necessary before mercy. Like Lincoln, I
don’t relish it. Yet, I will do whatever it
Important takes to defend the integrity and freedom
Points of the of my country
Speech
$26 billion foreign debt that resulted to
nothing
  The heavy clamor of the Filipinos for
DEMOCRACY over their basic needs

Important
 Welcomed a renewed friendship with America
Points of the
Speech
 HOR voted in favor of $200 million as
emergency aid for the Philippines (203 to 197
votes)
Cory in her speech said:

Today, I say, join us, America, as we build a new home for

democracy, another haven for the oppressed, so it may
stand as a shining testament of our nation’s commitment
to freedom.