An Icon of Democracy has departed.
By: Roy Alfonso N. Santiago Jr.
Former President Corazon Aquino, who swept away a dictator with a "people power" revolt and then sustained democracy by fighting off seven coup attempts in six years, died on Saturday Aug. 1, At the age of 76.
The uprising she led in 1986 ended the repressive 20-year regime of Ferdinand Marcos and inspired nonviolent protests across the globe, including those that ended Communist rule in Eastern Europe.
But she struggled in office to meet high public expectations. Her land redistribution program fell short of ending economic domination by the landed elite, including her own family. Her leadership, especially in social and economic reform, was often indecisive, leaving many of her closest allies disillusioned by the end of her term.
Still, the bespectacled, smiling woman in her trademark yellow dress remained beloved in the Philippines, where she was affectionately referred to as "Tita Cory."
She and forever will be an icon. Thanks for bringing this a democratic country again, for us. It's now the time for your perfect place to serve, to be with our Master for all of your days. Thank You Tita Cory! You'll always be a part of the greatest legacies of the Pearl of the Orients.
