Submitted by: Christian B.

Garcia AB Political Science 2

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

TASK 1: ANALYZING PRIMARY SOURCES. Instructions: Read the full transcript of the undelivered Arrival
of Speech of Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. and answer the following questions. The speech can be
assessed at http://news.info.inquirer.net/631394/undelivered-speech-of-senator-benigno-s-aquino-jr.

I. First Impression
a. What are your first impressions about the undelivered speech?

 The speech was intended to express Aquino's views on the state of the Philippines
and his vision for the country. It is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in Philippine
history and has become an important symbol of the struggle for democracy and
freedom in the Philippines.

b. What kind of document is it (letter, ad, newspaper, etc.)?

 Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. prepared a written transcript of his undelivered speech,
also known as his "Last Will".

The speech was found in his belongings after his assassination on August 21, 1983. It
was written in longhand, on yellow pad paper, and was later typed and photocopied for
dissemination. The original handwritten copy is now preserved at the Aquino Center in
Tarlac, Philippines.
Submitted by: Christian B. Garcia AB Political Science 2

II. Making More Closely

a. Make a list of unusual or unfamiliar words or phrases you encountered while reading the
speech.
1. Political Asylum - The protection, by a sovereign state, of a person who is persecuted in his
own country for his political opinions or activity.

2. Leniency – The quality of being more merciful or tolerant than expected.

3. Surmounted - To deal with (a problem or a difficult situation) successfully. To Overcome.

4. Cadre - A group of trained or otherwise qualified personnel capable of forming, training, or

leading an expanded organization, as a religious or political faction, or a skilled workforce.

5. Steadfastly - In a resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering manner.

6. “Hindi ko hangad ang sagupaan. Idinadalangin ko’t aking sisikaping magkaroon ng

tunay na pambansang pagkakasundo batay sa katarungan.” - I seek no confrontation.
I only pray and will strive for a genuine national reconciliation founded on justice.

7. “Kusa akong nagbalik na ang tanging sandata ay ang aking malinis na konsensiya at
nagkukuta sa pananalig na sa dakong huli’y ang katarunga’y gigitaw nang buong
tagumpay.” - I never sought nor have I been given assurances or promise of leniency
by the regime. I return voluntarily armed only with a clear conscience and fortified in
the faith that in the end justice will emerge triumphant.

8. “Tunay na matiisin ang Pilipino ngunit may hangganan ang kanyang pagtitimpi.
Hihintayin pa ba nating maubos ang pagtitimping ito?” - Yes, the Filipino is patient, but
there is a limit to each of our patience. Must we wait until that patience snaps?

9. “Sa isang rebolusyon ay walang nagtatagumpay. Mayroon lamang mga biktima, hindi
natin kailangan magwasak upang makatayo tayong muli.” - In a revolution there can
really be no victors, only victims. We do not have to destroy in order to build .

10. Mga salita galing sa makata na si Macleish, ang sabi ni Macleish, “Paano
ipagtatanggol ang kalayaan sa tulong ng sandata kapag ito’y sinasalakay ng sandata,
sa tulong ng katotohanan kapag ito ay nilalapastangan ng kasinungalingan, ng tiwala
sa demokrasya kung ito ay binabayo ng prinsipyong mapaniil, lagi at hanggang sa
huli, sa tulong ng matatag na paninindigan.” - From the words of Macleish “How shall
freedom be defended? By arms when it is attacked by arms; by truth when it is
Submitted by: Christian B. Garcia AB Political Science 2

attacked by lies; by democratic faith when it is attacked by authoritarian dogma.

Always, and in the final act, by determination and faith.”

b. Is there a specific date on the speech? If so, when is it? If there is none, are there clues
that might indicate when it was written?

 The undelivered speech of Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr., also known as his "Last Will," was
not delivered formally in a public forum. Instead, it was a written statement that he prepared
before his return to the Philippines from his exile in the United States in August 1983.

There is no specific date indicated in the speech itself. However, it is believed to have been
written sometime in late July or early August of 1983, shortly before Senator Aquino departed
from the Philippines. The exact date when he wrote the speech is not known with certainty, but
it is generally believed to have been written in the weeks leading up to his assassination on
August 21, 1983.

c. Is there an indicated location? Where is it?

 No specific location is indicated for Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr.'s undelivered speech. The
speech was not intended to be delivered publicly but to be read by his family and friends if he
did not survive returning to the Philippines.

Senator Aquino wrote the speech while he was exiled in the United States in preparation for
his homecoming and expected arrest. He intended for the speech to be a statement of his
beliefs and a call to action for the Filipino people to rise against the dictatorship of President
Ferdinand Marcos.

d. Who authored the document? Why did you say so?

 Senator Aquino authored the undelivered speech. He wrote the speech in longhand on a
yellow pad while in exile in the United States in preparation for his return to the Philippines and
his expected arrest by the government of President Ferdinand Marcos.

The speech was a profoundly personal statement of Senator Aquino's beliefs and convictions
and a call to action for the Filipino people to rise up against the dictatorship and fight for their
freedom and democracy. The speech was found among Senator Aquino's belongings after his
assassination on August 21, 1983, and was later shared with the public.
Submitted by: Christian B. Garcia AB Political Science 2

e. To whom was written document addressed? How did you know?

 The undelivered speech of Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. was not addressed to any particular
person or group. Instead, it was a statement of his beliefs and convictions, as well as a call to
action for the Filipino people to rise against the dictatorship of President Ferdinand Marcos
and fight for their freedom and democracy.

f. What is the purpose of the document? What made you think so?

 The undelivered speech of Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr., also known as his "Last Will,"
served several purposes.

First and foremost, it was a profoundly personal statement of Senator Aquino's beliefs and
convictions. In the speech, he spoke about his love for his family, faith in God, and
commitment to the Filipino people. He also expressed his unwavering opposition to the
dictatorship of President Ferdinand Marcos and his determination to fight for freedom and
democracy in the Philippines.

Second, the speech was a call to action for the Filipino people to rise against the dictatorship
and fight for their freedom and democracy. Senator Aquino urged the Filipino people to
overcome their fear and apathy and to join him in the struggle for justice and liberty.

Third, the speech warned the Marcos regime that their days were numbered and that the
Filipino people would ultimately triumph over their oppressors. Senator Aquino predicted his
death would spark a revolution that would eventually bring down the dictatorship.

Finally, the speech was a legacy that Senator Aquino left behind for his family, friends, and the
Filipino people. It was a testament to his courage, ideals, and sacrifice, inspiring a generation
of Filipinos to fight for their freedom and democracy.
Submitted by: Christian B. Garcia AB Political Science 2

III. Thinking Further

a. What do you think is the most important information that the author of the docmument was
conveying? Why?

 The speech was a profoundly personal statement of Senator Aquino's beliefs and convictions.
It was written in anticipation of his return to the Philippines, his expected arrest, and the
possibility of his death. Senator Aquino spoke about his love for his family, faith in God, and
commitment to the Filipino people. He also expressed his unwavering opposition to the
dictatorship of President Ferdinand Marcos and his determination to fight for freedom and
democracy in the Philippines.

One of the most important messages that Senator Aquino conveyed in his speech was his call
to action for the Filipino people to rise against the dictatorship and fight for their freedom and
democracy. He urged the Filipino people to overcome their fear and apathy and to join him in
the struggle for justice and liberty. He also warned the Marcos regime that their days were
numbered and that the Filipino people would ultimately triumph over their oppressors.

Another important message that Senator Aquino conveyed in his speech was his commitment
to non-violent resistance and his belief in the power of peaceful protest. He stated that he was
not afraid to die but did not want to die in vain. He called on the Filipino people to continue the
struggle for democracy and freedom even if he were to die and to use non-violent means to
achieve their goals.

Overall, the undelivered speech of Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. was a powerful statement
of his beliefs and convictions and a call to action for the Filipino people to fight for their
freedom and democracy. It has since become an iconic document in Philippine history,
symbolizing the struggle for democracy and human rights in the country.

b. Does the document convey a certain tone? What is it?

 Yes, the undelivered speech of Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. has a powerful and emotional
tone that reflects his deep commitment to the cause of freedom and democracy in the
Philippines.

The speech begins with a deeply personal and emotional tone, as Senator Aquino speaks
about his love for his family and his gratitude for their support. He also expresses his faith in
God and belief that he will one day be reunited with his loved ones in heaven.
Submitted by: Christian B. Garcia AB Political Science 2

As the speech progresses, the tone becomes more urgent and forceful as Senator Aquino
calls on the Filipino people to rise against President Ferdinand Marcos's dictatorship and fight
for their freedom and democracy. He speaks passionately and passionately, urging his fellow
citizens to overcome their fear and apathy and join him in the struggle for justice and liberty.

Throughout the speech, Senator Aquino's tone is one of unwavering commitment and
determination as he speaks about his willingness to die for the cause of freedom and
democracy. He also emphasizes the importance of non-violent resistance and peaceful
protest, and his tone reflects his belief in the power of these methods to effect change.

Overall, the undelivered speech of Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. conveys a tone of passion,
conviction, and deep commitment to the cause of freedom and democracy in the Philippines.

c. What does it imply?

 The undelivered speech of Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. implies several essential ideas and
messages. Here are some of the critical implications of the speech:

1. The need for non-violent resistance: Senator Aquino emphasizes the importance of non-
violent resistance and peaceful protest, implying that the struggle for freedom and democracy
in the Philippines must be peaceful and non-violent.

2. The power of the people: Senator Aquino implies that the power to effect change in the
Philippines lies with the people and that if they unite and work together, they can overcome the
dictatorship of President Ferdinand Marcos and bring about a new era of freedom and
democracy.

3. The inevitability of change: Senator Aquino implies that change is inevitable and that the
Marcos regime will eventually fall, despite its efforts to suppress dissent and maintain its grip
on power. He believes that the Filipino people will ultimately triumph over their oppressors.

Overall, the undelivered speech of Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. implies that the struggle for
freedom and democracy in the Philippines is difficult but necessary and that the Filipino people
must be prepared to make personal sacrifices and work together to achieve their goals. It is a
powerful and inspiring message of hope, courage, and determination in the face of oppression
and tyranny.

d. What is the point of view of the author? Is it objective?

 The point of view of Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr., in his undelivered speech, is one of the
passionate and committed advocates for freedom, democracy, and justice in the Philippines.
Throughout the speech, he speaks from the perspective of a leader who is deeply concerned
about the future of his country and its people.
Submitted by: Christian B. Garcia AB Political Science 2

Senator Aquino's point of view is grounded in his belief in the importance of non-violent
resistance and peaceful protest and his conviction that the Filipino people have the power to
effect change in their country. He emphasizes the need for unity and cooperation among the
people and encourages them to overcome their fear and apathy to work together for a
common goal.

At the same time, Senator Aquino's point of view is deeply personal, as he speaks about his
own experiences and his willingness to sacrifice his life for the cause of freedom and
democracy. He expresses his love for his family and his gratitude for their support, and he
speaks openly about his faith in God and his belief that he will one day be reunited with his
loved ones in heaven.

e. What is the relationship between the writer and the audience? Explain.

 The relationship between Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. and the audience of his undelivered
speech is one of a leader addressing his fellow countrymen and women with hope, courage,
and determination in the face of oppression and tyranny.

Throughout the speech, Senator Aquino speaks to the Filipino people, emphasizing their
common struggle for freedom and democracy and encouraging them to work together to
overcome their oppressors. He addresses his audience with a sense of urgency, imploring
them to take action and not to let fear and apathy stand in the way of their struggle for justice.

IV. Drawing Conclusions

Integrate your background knowledge of the context of the speech with the content of the
speech. What conclusions can you draw about the historical period when the speech was
written?

 Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr.'s undelivered speech, which was written during his
time in prison in 1973, reflects his deep commitment to the cause of freedom and
democracy in the Philippines. The speech, which was never delivered because he
was assassinated upon his return to the country in 1983, reflects his conviction that
the Filipino people have the power to effect change in their country.

The content of the speech also reflects Senator Aquino's personal experiences and
his willingness to sacrifice his life for the cause of freedom and democracy. He
speaks about his love for his family and his gratitude for their support, and he
speaks openly about his faith in God and his belief that he will one day be reunited
with his loved ones in heaven.
Submitted by: Christian B. Garcia AB Political Science 2

The undelivered speech of Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. reflects his deep
commitment to the cause of freedom and democracy in the Philippines, as well as
his belief in the power of the people to effect change. His personal experiences,
beliefs, and vision for a better Philippines are all reflected in the powerful words of
the speech, which remains a testament to his legacy and his enduring impact on the
country.