Historical background of the documents/videos:

The two videos depict the Philippines' relationship with the United States from two
distinct viewpoints. The first video showcases President Corazon Aquino's speech before the
United States Congress on September 18, 1986, where she expressed her gratitude to the
United States for supporting democracy in the Philippines. She stressed the importance of
continuing cooperation between the two countries. Aquino was the first female president of the
Philippines and assumed power after the People Power Revolution of 1986 that deposed the
authoritarian Ferdinand Marcos.
The second video portrays President Marcos's arrival ceremony during his state visit to
the United States on September 16, 1982. Marcos was the president of the Philippines from
1965 until his removal in 1986. His regime was marked by corruption, human rights violations,
and the suppression of political opposition. Despite mounting concerns about his authoritarian
rule, the video demonstrates the warm reception he received from US officials, including
President Ronald Reagan.
Importance of information found in the documents or videos in reconstructing Philippine
History:
These two videos offer valuable insights in reconstructing the history of the Philippines,
particularly in regards to the country's relationship with the United States and the Marcos
administration. Aquino's speech emphasizes the role played by the United States in the
reinstatement of democracy in the Philippines and stresses the need for continuing support for
democratic institutions. Conversely, the arrival ceremony for Marcos demonstrates the US
government's support for his regime, despite mounting evidence of corruption and human rights
violations.
Main argument of speech:
Speech of former President Corazon Aquino: In her speech to the United States Congress,
President Aquino expressed her appreciation to the American people and government for their
assistance during the People Power Revolution, which resulted in the overthrow of the Marcos
regime. She underscored that the revolution was a peaceful endeavor of the Filipino people to
attain democracy and freedom. Aquino appealed for US support in aiding the Philippines'
economic progress and national development. Furthermore, she expressed optimism that the
US and the Philippines would maintain a strong relationship grounded in mutual respect and
cooperation.
Speech of former President Ferdinand Marcos: During his state visit to the US, President
Marcos highlighted the Philippines' strategic partnership with the US. He conveyed his gratitude
to the US government for their military and economic aid to the Philippines. He also stressed
that the Philippines was a democratic country that valued human rights and freedom. Marcos
urged the US to continue supporting the Philippines' social and economic growth.
Relevance of the documents in understanding the grand narrative of Philippine History:
It highlights the significance of two videos in understanding the history of the Philippines during
the Marcos and Aquino administrations. The videos offer varying perspectives on the
relationship between the Philippines and the United States, shedding light on the political and
economic dynamics that existed between the two countries during those periods. Furthermore,
the videos provide an opportunity to examine contrasting views on democracy and human
rights, as exemplified by the speeches of Aquino and Marcos. Overall, the videos offer important
insights into Philippine history and provide a means of analyzing differing perspectives on
democracy and human rights.
Personal Insights:
Santos, James Gabriel
In my opinion, the speech of President Corazon Aquino is more reliable in providing a
clear and factual description of the Marcos administration. Her speech highlights the peaceful
struggle of the Filipino people for democracy and freedom, which led to the downfall of the
Marcos regime. She also called for the support of the US in helping the Philippines achieve
economic progress and national development. These statements are factual and accurate, as
they are backed by historical accounts and evidence.
On the other hand, the speech of President Ferdinand Marcos presents a biased view of
his regime, emphasizing the supposed democratic and human rights-respecting nature of his
government. This view is not consistent with the historical evidence and the experiences of the
Filipino people during his regime. Thus, I believe that the speech of President Aquino provides a
more factual and accurate description of the Marcos administration.
Pamintuan, Kyle David B.
After watching the two videos, I gained relevant knowledge as they provide different
perspectives on Philippine history and the Philippine-American relationship. Aquino's speech
highlights the importance of democracy and the rule of law in promoting stability and
development in the Philippines and the role of the United States in supporting democratic
institutions. While the arrival ceremony for Marcos, reflects the US government's support for his
authoritarian regime despite growing evidence of human rights abuses and corruption.
Understanding these perspectives is crucial in reconstructing Philippine history and in promoting
a deeper appreciation of the country's struggles for democracy and freedom.
References:
Aquino, C. (1986, September 18). Speech of President Corazon Aquino before the U.S
Congress [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZnnvbKyNCQ
Marcos, F. (1982, September 16). State Visit Philippines, Arrival Ceremony for President
Marcos [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8AxvM1JVDM