Cory Aquino was a symbol of hope, courage during crisis –senators

On Corazon Aquino’s 11th death anniversary, Senators Francis Pangilinan and Leila de Lima recalled how the late President was a symbol of hope and courage during a time of national crisis.

“Over 30 years ago we were facing a grave political and societal crisis, one we overcame only through uniting in People Power. President Cory was the light that shone in that darkness. Hindi natin mapigilang alalahanin ito ngayong kinakaharap natin ang pinakamalalang krisis ng ating henerasyon,” Pangilinan said.

"Sa taongbayang nanindigan kumuha ng lakas kay Cory. Hindi sa militar ni Marcos, hindi sa dami ng mga trapong pulitiko na loyalista ng diktador, hindi sa media na kontrolado at hawak sa leeg ng rehimen. Sa kanyang pananalig sa Diyos at sa taongbayang kumilos at nanindigan siya sumandal at humugot ng tapang at lakas sa panahon ng matinding krisis," he added.

Pangilinan also recounted that when Cory Aquino became president, the economy was badly depleted, hundreds had been killed, corruption ran rampant, television networks had been shut down, and press freedom was curtailed.

“It was a crisis of democracy. Those were the concerns President Cory had to face upon assuming Presidency, one she faced with courage and dignity,” said the senator.

For her part, Senator Leila de Lima expressed her admiration for Cory Aquino given all that she had to face and overcome.

“[S]a kabila ng trahedyang sinapit ng pamilya, ng banta at pananakot ng diktador, maging ang pangmamaliit at panlilibak ng mga nasa poder, ay buong tapang na tinanggap ang hamon na pangunahan ang laban ng Pilipino upang manaig ang katotohanan, katarungan at karapatang pantao,” de Lima said in her statement.

“Ang aming patuloy na paghanga, pagpupugay at taos-pusong pasasalamat sa iyo, Tita Cory,” she concluded. — DVM, GMA News