Pagayonan Ronie Jr

BSPT – A – 1
17, October 2018
Philhist
Speech of President Corazon C. Aquino before the joint session of The United
States Congress, September 18, 1986

Discuss the context the speech was delivered.

Cory’s speech was adorned by countless references to her husband—Former

Senator Ninoy Aquino to whom the Filipino nation had assigned as the poster boy for
anti-Marcos movements. Her speech even went so far as to connect Ninoy’s struggle
with that of the whole nation, all the while entwining their family’s history with the fate of
the entire country. She justified her presence in front of the U.S. Congress using
figurative words and metaphorical language, alluding to her connection with the late
Ninoy on one hand and fulfilling her mandate to the Filipino people on the other.

How was the speech? How did the audience react to her half-hour-long address?

I would say that the audience shows their respect, and gave their full attention for
Corazon Aquino’s half-hour-long speech. The speech was inspiring as a Filipino.

What was in her speech that convinced the House of Representatives to grant two-
hundred-million-dollar emergency aid to the Philippines? What were the issues raised or
views pointed out in her address?

She defended her policy of reconciliation with the Philippines' Communist

insurgents and asked Congress for more financial aid to rebuild the Philippines'
shattered economy. "You have spent many lives and much treasure to bring freedom to
many lands that were reluctant to receive it," said Aquino. "And here you have a people
who won it by themselves and need only the help to preserve it."

How did the speech affect you as a viewer? In what way would it be rendered relevant
to the current conditions of our country? Cite specific lines from the speech.

As a viewer I felt helpless knowing I wasn’t able to do anything for my country. "We
have swept away absolute power by a limited revolution that respected the life and
freedom of every Filipino." As I Filipino I feel happy for having my freedom.

What are the points in her speech that you agree and disagree with? Which lines hit
home?
“As I came to power peacefully, so shall I keep it. That is my contract with my people
and my commitment to God. He had willed that the blood drawn with the lash shall not,
in my country, be paid by blood drawn by the sword but by the tearful joy of
reconciliation.” I agree with her here for being committed for her position as I would do
the same thing. To be honest there’s nothing In particular that I disagree with her. Find
her speech perfect for our country.