University of Southeastern Philippines

Inigo St. Bo. Obrero, Davao City

College of Education

Rekindling Coalition, Solidarity, and People Power Amidst Dictatorship and National
Adversity: A Critique Paper on the Speech of President Corazon Aquino during the
Joint Session of the U.S. Congress

A Critique Paper Submitted

In Partial Fulfillment of the Course Requirements for
GE215- Readings in Philippine History

SUBMITTED BY:

Abangolan, Iris Celeste L.

Reoja, Princess Gale B.

Bumaya, Chrisly Mae P.

Tabanao, Ralph Riel C.

Diongson, Gennivie V.

Mallorca, Avelyn M.

Gamale, Sarah C.

Idol, JV Bryan S.

SUBMITTED TO:
Ms. Krestien Adreana Mordeno
Instructor, GE 216- Readings in Philippine History

OCTOBER 2023
 INTRODUCTION

The future government and its political leaders in a nation rely on the decision-
making process of its citizens. Elections are a crucial legislative procedure that shapes the
formation of a country's government. During election campaigns, political candidates present
their ideas, beliefs, intentions, and opinions to the general population, who serve as their
primary audience. In democratic societies, leaders place a strong emphasis on persuading
potential supporters to have confidence in their policies and platforms. Concurrently,
speeches are carefully crafted and play a significant role in outlining a politician's proposed
future policies for the state, greatly influencing how their audience receives and interprets
the information they are conveying.

Speeches occupy a paramount position in the realm of politics, irrespective of the specific
role or position a person holds within the political arena. Whether an individual is a candidate
seeking public office, an incumbent official, or a political leader, the act of delivering
speeches carries immense significance in effectively conveying one's message, articulating
their policy agendas, and communicating decisions to the general populace. In numerous
respects, speeches can be likened to the life force of politics, serving as the foundational
medium through which ideas, visions, and governance are disseminated and comprehended
by the citizenry.

The importance of speeches in the political sphere cannot be overemphasized. They serve
as a direct and potent conduit for political figures to establish connections with their
constituents and the broader public. Through the vehicle of speeches, politicians have the
opportunity to convey their vision for the future, expound upon their positions on pivotal
matters, and delineate the specific policies and initiatives they intend to pursue.
Furthermore, speeches afford leaders the means to engage in public discourse, sway and
motivate citizens, and garner support for their causes or candidacies.

According to Mann (2005), presidential speeches are essential to nation-building. The

proceedings are broadcast nationwide, reaching a wide audience. This occasion provides
the President with an opportunity to strategically shape the policy-making agenda in order to
sway public sentiment.

Maria Corazon Sumulong Cojuangco-Aquino, commonly known as Cory Aquino, served as

the 11th President of the Philippines. She actively opposed the dictatorship of Ferdinand
Emmanuel Edralin Marcos Sr., who held power from 1965 to 1986. Marcos, a dictator and
accused kleptocrat, was eventually ousted from his position through the historic and iconic
People Power Revolution, led by the opposition to the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) party,
particularly the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban). Cory Aquino's election
marked a pivotal moment in Philippine history, signifying the end of the prolonged and
oppressive martial rule under the Marcos regime. Furthermore, Cory Aquino, often regarded
as the "new symbol of hope and light" in the Philippines, was compelled to run for the
presidency in alignment with the legacy of her husband, Benigno "Ninoy" Simeon Aquino Jr.,
who was a prominent public servant. The Aquino family had a longstanding tradition of
serving the Filipino people, and their commitment to public service garnered widespread
support for Cory's candidacy as a beacon of hope against the tumultuous backdrop created
by the Marcoses.

The assassination of Ninoy Aquino Jr. had a profound impact on Philippine society, serving
as a catalyst for a major societal transformation. This tragic event ignited a collective
determination among the Filipino people to rise against the oppressive dictatorship that had
been in power. Cory Aquino's eventual victory in the presidential election became a powerful
symbol of the unwavering resilience, strength, and determination that defined the Filipino
spirit in the face of daunting challenges.

Throughout her presidency, Cory Aquino actively engaged with leaders not only at the
domestic level but also on the national and international stages. One pivotal moment in this
historical context was her address to the Joint Session of the United States Congress on
September 18, 1986. During this significant speech, she delved into a comprehensive
discussion of the Philippines' circumstances during the dark days of dictatorship and the
subsequent transition to a democratic government. Her speech touched on various aspects
of nationalistic significance. Furthermore, Cory Aquino's address shed light on the enduring
struggles endured by the Filipino people in their arduous quest for freedom. She drew
attention to the historical emphasis on resistance, highlighting how it had a lasting influence
on contemporary Filipino revolutionaries and activists. Her speech also offered valuable
insights into the events and challenges that marked Ninoy Aquino's experience, providing a
nuanced perspective on the political landscape during that era.

The speech also highlighted the challenges faced by the Aquino family in their efforts to help
the Philippines achieve freedom, including addressing the debts incurred by the previous
administration prior to Cory Aquino's presidency. This speech underscored the profound
transition from dictatorship to democracy, addressing issues such as the assassination of
Ninoy Aquino and the pervasive atmosphere of torture and repression during Martial Law,
starting with its president and extending to its laws, orders, and regulations.

Cory Aquino's presidency and her address to the United States Congress serve as pivotal
moments in Philippine history, emblematic of the nation's determination to overcome
oppression, seek democracy, and engage with the international community. Her words and
actions during this period continue to resonate as testaments to the enduring spirit of the
Filipino people in their pursuit of justice, freedom, and self-determination.

Regardless of the historical power that Cory holds, the question lies within:

1. How effectively does she address the historical and contemporary political context in
the Philippines, specifically the transition from dictatorship to democracy?
2. How well does she navigate the complexities of narrating the struggles of the Filipino
people and the role of her family in achieving freedom, considering the socio-political
challenges of her time?
3. How does her speech contribute to the broader discourse on political leadership,
nation-building, and the power of rhetoric in moments of political transition and crisis?
4. Did Cory Aquino's persuasiveness stem primarily from the delivery of her speech, or
was it predominantly a result of the coercive influence she wielded, leaving
individuals with little alternative but to acquiesce to her message?
 METHODOLOGY

A way to alter and imply changes in the minds of people is through spoken
communication (e.g., speech). Persuasion is a technique involving words for communication,
aiming to affect changes in the beliefs of others (McGaan, 1994). Gordon (2022) asserts that
this theory mainly concerns changing the behavior and standing of others, most specifically
in the aspect of politics. McGaan (1994) highlights that there are factors that cause
behavioral changes in humans if persuaded; these are the following: behavior, values, and
attitude. Persuasions are widely employed in the lexical context, specifically in the domains
of politics, McGaan (1994) adds.

Throughout history, persuasion has been intricately connected to the language used
in the realm of politics. (Wrobel, 2015) It has emerged as a proper discussion among rational
individuals pertaining to the various appropriate actions that should be taken to tackle a
societal problem. Thus, in the speech of Cory Aquino during the joint session of the U.S. On
September 18, 1986, she, as a political person, was expected to engage in the decision-
making process, employ accurate information and compelling arguments to persuade others,
and define the most effective course of action for addressing the issues at hand. Further,
according to Johnson & Johnson (2000), the primary objective of persuasive language is to
convey the intention of convincing the audience of a proposition's validity or fallacy.

Critical Discourse Analysis, as per Janks (n.d.), it is derived from a critical language
theory that views the utilization of language as a type of societal activity. Societal activities
are connected to particular historical situations and function as mechanisms through which
established social relations are upheld or challenged, while also serving various competing
interests. This critique paper makes use of the CDA or Critical Discourse Analysis as a
method of critiquing, analyzing, and appraising the speech delivered by Former President
Cory Aquino. Critical Discourse Analysis may not be a common methodology for scrutinizing
and critiquing topics, yet it perfectly fits the mold on examining the specific topic that the
group has chosen.

The group has utilized specific themes, which falls under thematic analysis. Thematic
analysis is a qualitative data analysis method that involves reading through a data set (such
as transcripts from in depth interviews or focus groups) and identifying patterns in meaning
across the data to derive themes. Thematic analysis involves an active process of reflexivity,
where a researcher’s subjective experience plays a central role in meaning making from
data. (Delve & Limpaecher, 2020)
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

THEMES SPECIFIC LINES IN SPEECH WITH THEIR

PERSUASIVE TAGGING

International Relations Tone: I met with President Reagan yesterday, we

began an important dialogue about cooperation and
the strengthening of the friendship between our two
countries.

Metaphor: Today, I say, join us, America, as we

build a new home for democracy, another haven for
the oppressed, so it may stand as a shining
testament of our two nation’s commitment to
freedom."

Expert Opinion, Rhetorical Question, & Imagery:

Yet to all Americans, as the leader of a proud and
free people, I address this question: has there been a
greater test of national commitment to the ideals you
hold dear than that my people have gone through?
You have spent many lives and much treasure to
bring freedom to many lands that were reluctant to
receive it. And here you have a people who won it by
themselves and need only the help to preserve it.

Economic Constraints Jargon: Half our export earnings, $2 billion out of $4

billion, which was all we could earn in the restrictive
markets of the world, went to pay just the interest on
a debt whose benefit the Filipino people never
received.

Jargon, Hyperbole & Expert Opinion: We face a

communist insurgency that feeds on economic
deterioration, even as we carry a great share of the
free world defenses in the Pacific. These are only
 two of the many burdens my people carry even as
they try to build a worthy and enduring house for their
new democracy, that may serve as well as a redoubt
for freedom in Asia. Yet, no sooner is one stone laid
than two are taken away. Half our export earnings,
$2 billion out of $4 billion, which was all we could
earn in the restrictive markets of the world, went to
pay just the interest on a debt whose benefit the
Filipino people never received.

Social Injustice Anecdote & Repetition: Today, we face the

aspirations of a people who had known so much
poverty and massive unemployment for the past 14
years and yet offered their lives for the abstraction of
democracy. Wherever I went in the campaign, slum
area or impoverished village, they came to me with
one cry: democracy! Not food, although they clearly
needed it, but democracy. Not work, although they
surely wanted it, but democracy. Not money, for they
gave what little they had to my campaign. They didn’t
expect me to work a miracle that would instantly put
food into their mouths, clothes on their back,
education in their children, and work that will put
dignity in their lives. But I feel the pressing obligation
to respond quickly as the leader of a people so
deserving of all these things.

Unity Emotive Words: A country that had lost faith in its

future found it in a faithless and brazen act of
murder. So in giving, we receive, in losing we find,
and out of defeat, we snatched our victory.

Imagery: You saw a nation, armed with courage and

integrity, stand fast by democracy against threats

Conflict Resolution and Peacemaking
and corruption.
Jargon: We have swept away absolute power by a
limited revolution that respected the life and freedom
of every Filipino. Now, we are restoring full
constitutional government. Again, as we restored
democracy by the ways of democracy, so are we
completing the constitutional structures of our new
democracy under a constitution that already gives full
respect to the Bill of Rights.
Anecdotes: Two million people threw aside their
passivity and escorted him to his grave. And so
began the revolution that has brought me to
democracy’s most famous home, the Congress of
the United States.
Hyperbole: You saw a people so committed to the
ways of democracy that they were prepared to give
their lives for its pale imitation. At the end of the day,
before another wave of fraud could distort the results,
I announced the people’s victory.
Anecdotes: With little help from others, we Filipinos
fulfilled the first and most difficult conditions of the
debt negotiation the full restoration of democracy and
responsible government.
Metaphor & Allusion: "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."
Inclusive Language & Hyperbole: "I will do
 whatever it takes to defend the integrity and freedom
of my country."

Political Conflicts Anecdote, Connotations, & Repetition: The people

vindicated me in an election shamefully marked by
government thuggery and fraud. The opposition
swept the elections, garnering a clear majority of the
votes, even if they ended up, thanks to a corrupt
Commission on Elections, with barely a third of the
seats in parliament. Now, I knew our power.

Anecdote & Repetition: Last year, in an excess of

arrogance, the dictatorship called for its doom in a
snap election. The people obliged. With over a
million signatures, they drafted me to challenge the
dictatorship. And I obliged them. The rest is the
history that dramatically unfolded on your television
screen and across the front pages of your
newspapers.

Anecdote & Logic: I held out for participation in the

1984 election the dictatorship called, even if I knew it
would be rigged. I was warned by the lawyers of the
opposition that I ran the grave risk of legitimizing the
foregone results of elections that were clearly going
to be fraudulent.
Persuasive Style of Writing SPECIFIC LINES IN SPEECH

Emotive Words "I left America in grief to bury my husband, Ninoy

Aquino."

"A country that had lost faith in its future found it in a

faithless and brazen act of murder."

"You saw women poll watchers break out in tears as

armed goons crashed the polling places to steal the
ballots..."

"Yet, I must explore the path of peace to the utmost

for at its end, whatever disappointment I meet there,
is the moral basis for laying down the olive branch of
peace..."

"And here you have a people who won it by

themselves and need only the help to preserve it."

And then, we lost him, irrevocably and more painfully

than in the past. The news came to us in Boston. It
had to be after the three happiest years of our lives
together. But his death was my country’s resurrection
in the courage and faith by which alone they could be
free again. The dictator had called him a nobody.

For the nation, Ninoy became the pleasing sacrifice

that answered their prayers for freedom. For myself
and our children, Ninoy was a loving husband and
father. His loss, three times in our lives, was always
 a deep and painful one.

In burying Ninoy, a whole nation honored him. By

that brave and selfless act of giving honor, a nation in
shame recovered its own. A country that had lost
faith in its future found it in a faithless and brazen act
of murder. So in giving, we receive, in losing we find,
and out of defeat, we snatched our victory.

Appeal to Collective Identity Repetition & Alliteration: "You saw a nation, armed
with courage and integrity, stand fast by democracy
against threats and corruption."

Analogy & Inclusive Language: “We began an

important dialogue about cooperation and the
strengthening of the friendship between our two
countries."

Repetition, Allusion, & Metaphor: "Join us,

America, as we build a new home for democracy,
another haven for the oppressed, so it may stand as
a shining testament of our two nations' commitment
to freedom."

Allusion, Hyperbole, & Analogy: But the spirit of

democracy that inheres in our race and animates this
chamber could not be allowed to die. He held out, in
the loneliness of his cell and the frustration of exile,
the democratic alternative to the insatiable greed and
mindless cruelty of the right and the purging
holocaust of the left.

Anecdote & Repetition: Two million people threw

aside their passivity and escorted him to his grave.
And so began the revolution that has brought me to
democracy’s most famous home, the Congress of
 the United States.

Appeal to Values Imagery: "You saw a nation, armed with courage

and integrity, stand fast by democracy against
threats and corruption."

Repetition: "With malice towards none, with charity

for all, with firmness in the rights as God gives us to
see the rights, let us finish the work we are in, to bind
up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall
have borne the battle, and for his widow and for his
orphans, to do all which may achieve and cherish a
just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all
nations."

Rhetorical Questions: "They didn’t expect me to

work a miracle that would instantly put food into their
mouths, clothes on their back, education in their
children, and work that will put dignity in their lives.
But I feel the pressing obligation to respond quickly
as the leader of a people so deserving of all these
things."

Metaphor: The task had fallen on my shoulders to

continue offering the democratic alternative to our
people.

Appeal to National Pride Emotive Words, Hyperbole: "A country that had
lost faith in its future found it in a faithless and brazen
act of murder. So in giving, we receive, in losing we
find, and out of defeat, we snatched our victory."

Repetition & Alliteration: "You saw a nation, armed

 with courage and integrity, stand fast by democracy
against threats and corruption."1

Allusion & Metaphor: But the spirit of democracy

that inheres in our race and animates this chamber
could not be allowed to die.
Repetition, Hyperbole, & Logic: You saw a people
so committed to the ways of democracy that they
were prepared to give their lives for its pale imitation.
At the end of the day, before another wave of fraud
could distort the results, I announced the people’s
victory.

Anecdote & Imagery: "You saw women poll

Persuasion In Correlation to Emotion
watchers break out in tears as armed goons crashed
And Attitude
the polling places to steal the ballots but, just the
same, they tied themselves to the ballot boxes."

Repetition & Inclusive Language: "The people take

care of their own. It is on that faith and the obligation
it entails, that I assumed the presidency."
Repetition, Alliteration, & Analogy: "You saw a
nation, armed with courage and integrity, stand fast
by democracy against threats and corruption."

Persuasion in Politics Metaphor: The task had fallen on my shoulders to

continue offering the democratic alternative to our
people.

Repetition: "The people obliging me to challenge the

dictatorship. And I obliged them."

Repetition & Inclusive Language: "Surely, the

people take care of their own."
 Rhetorical Question & Expert Opinion: "I don’t
think anybody, in or outside our country, concerned
for a democratic and open Philippines, doubts what
must be done."

Contrast Repetition: "With little help from others, we Filipinos

fulfilled the first and most difficult conditions of the
debt negotiation, the full restoration of democracy
and responsible government."

Repetition, Rhetorical Statements, & Inclusive

Language: "The people take care of their own. It is
on that faith and the obligation it entails that I
assumed the presidency."

Expert Opinion & Rhetorical Statement: "I don’t

think anybody, in or outside our country, concerned
for a democratic and open Philippines, doubts what
must be done."

Rhetorical Statement: "You have spent many lives

and much treasure to bring freedom to many lands
that were reluctant to receive it. And here you have a
people who won it by themselves and need only the
help to preserve it."
 PERSUASIVE DEVICES USED IN SPECIFIC LINES IN SPEECH
SPEECH

Ethos "When a subservient parliament announced my

opponent’s victory, the people turned out in the
streets and proclaimed me President."

"I held fast to Ninoy’s conviction that it must be by

the ways of democracy."

Pathos "A country that had lost faith in its future found it in a
faithless and brazen act of murder."

"Three years ago, I left America in grief to bury my

husband, Ninoy Aquino."

"His loss, three times in our lives, was always a deep

and painful one."

"You saw women poll watchers break out in tears as

armed goons crashed the polling places."

"You saw a people so committed to the ways of

democracy that they were prepared to give their lives
for its pale imitation."

"They didn’t expect me to work a miracle that would

instantly put food into their mouths, clothes on their
 back, education in their children, and work that will
put dignity in their lives."

"With malice towards none, with charity for all, with

firmness in the rights as God gives us to see the
rights, let us finish the work we are in, to bind up the
nation’s wounds..."

"I barely did as well."

Logos "I was warned by the lawyers of the opposition that I

ran the grave risk of legitimizing the foregone results
of elections that were clearly going to be fraudulent."

"Half our export earnings, $2 billion out of $4 billion,

which was all we could earn in the restrictive markets
of the world, went to pay just the interest on a debt
whose benefit the Filipino people never received."

"Through political initiatives and local reintegration

programs, we must seek to bring the insurgents
down from the hills and, by economic progress and
justice, show them that for which the best intentioned
among them fight."

The Speech of Former President Corazon Aquino During the Joint Session of the U.S.
Congress on September 18, 1986, has placed importance in the history of the Philippines. It
marked a pivotal moment in the lives of every Filipino, which exemplifies the willingness to
do whatever it takes in order to achieve the lost freedom. The speech of former President
Corazon Aquino has been analyzed in this part of the paper. This portion analyzes the
effectiveness and impact of her speech on the lives of every Filipino during that time.

International Relation
The speech that former President Cory Aquino gave was presented in the United States of
America. Her speech prominently featured international relations in the following lines that
were given:

The lines were the following:

"I met with President Reagan yesterday, and we began an important dialogue about
cooperation and the strengthening of the friendship between our two countries."

Today, I say, join us, America, as we build a new home for democracy, another haven for
the oppressed, so it may stand as a shining testament of our two nations' commitment to
freedom."

Yet to all Americans, as the leader of a proud and free people, I address this question: has
there been a greater test of national commitment to the ideals you hold dear than that my
people have gone through? You have spent many lives and much treasure to bring freedom
to many lands that were reluctant to receive it. And here you have people who won it by
themselves and need only their help to preserve it.

The following sentences in the speech depict former President Cory Aquino's diplomatic
efforts in seeking assistance from America in regaining the Philippines' independence. The
former president's goal is to seek American assistance since she believes that the former
and the Philippines share similar views on democracy and freedom. The United States
Congress is a symbol of democracy and freedom, and she hoped that America would
collaborate in a partnership since they share democratic and independent values. In this
topic, the previous president appealed to America by demonstrating the Filipino people's
resilience in establishing democracy and how the Philippines became unified in sharing the
ideals of regaining lost freedom. She also mentioned the meeting with President Reagan,
which implies her strong will to create a relationship with America in order to access help in
gaining back the independence of the country.

Social Injustice

The following lines in the speech of former President Cory Aquino highlight the deep
yearning for democracy among the Filipino people, even in the face of severe economic
challenges, particularly social injustice.
Today, we face the aspirations of a people who have known so much poverty and massive
unemployment for the past 14 years and yet offered their lives for the abstraction of
democracy. Wherever I went in the campaign, slum area, or impoverished village, they came
to me with one cry: democracy! Not food, although they clearly needed it, but democracy.
Not work, although they surely wanted it, but democracy. Not money, for they gave what little
they had to my campaign. They didn’t expect me to work a miracle that would instantly put
food in their mouths, clothes on their backs, education in their children, and dignity in their
lives. But I feel the pressing obligation to respond quickly as the leader of a people so
deserving of all these things."

Cory Aquino's speech is interconnected with the issue of social injustice, particularly as it
pertains to the enduring poverty and massive unemployment experienced by the Filipino
people. The speech emphasizes the miserable reality that the Filipino people have been
living under widespread poverty and significant unemployment for the past 14 years. As it
reveals the country's long-standing economic inequality, this sets the stage for a discussion
on social injustice. The speech implicitly tackles social unfairness by stating that, while the
people needed food, labor, money, education for their children, and decent employment,
their first demand was democracy. This shows a social disparity in the absence of access to
these fundamental necessities, which should be rights for all residents.

Unity

The following lines in the speech of former President Cory Aquino highlight the unity of the
Filipinos during the Marcos Regime.

"A country that had lost faith in its future found it in a faithless and brazen act of murder. So
in giving, we receive, in losing, we find, and out of defeat, we snatched our victory."

"You saw a nation, armed with courage and integrity, stand fast by democracy against
threats and corruption."

We have swept away absolute power through a limited revolution that respected the life and
freedom of every Filipino. Now, we are restoring full constitutional government. Again, as we
restored democracy by the ways of democracy, so are we completing the constitutional
structures of our new democracy under a constitution that already gives full respect to the
Bill of Rights.
Two million people threw aside their passivity and escorted him to his grave. And so began
the revolution that has brought me to democracy’s most famous home, the Congress of the
United States.

You saw a people so committed to the ways of democracy that they were prepared to give
their lives for its pale imitation. At the end of the day, before another wave of fraud could
distort the results, I announced the people’s victory.

"With little help from others, we Filipinos fulfilled the first and most difficult conditions of the
debt negotiation: the full restoration of democracy and responsible government."

Her speech began with her emotions about the pain she felt when her husband died. In her
address, she emphasizes how her husband's death became a spark for the nation's
newfound togetherness and desire for freedom. In the preceding lines, she acknowledges
the Filipinos' lost confidence and how it was restored by the heinous murder of her late
husband, Benigno Aquino Sr. She has emphasized how Filipinos opened their eyes when
the awful occurrence occurred. Although faithless and brazen, the act of murder ultimately
brought the Filipino people together in their pursuit of independence and democracy. Despite
the corruption and threats, the country remained steadfast in its will to fight for democracy
and win independence. She detailed the collective struggle of every Filipino to overthrow the
Marcos regime's absolute control and how Filipinos threw off their apathy, armed with
courage and integrity, and devoted their lives to snatching the victory of independence. This
part of the speech elicited the sympathies of every Filipino, resulting in cheers from the
galleries, with the audience interrupting Aquino 10 times with applause. Following the
speech, House Speaker Thomas P. (Tip) O'Neill Jr. (D-Mass.) declared, "That's the finest
speech I've heard in my 34 years in Congress." This demonstrates how powerful the former
president's speech was, especially given the fight for democracy in the Philippines. This
section of the speech praises her acknowledgment of the Filipino people's solidarity in
achieving freedom.

Conflict Resolution and Peacemaking

The following lines in the speech of former President Cory Aquino highlight conflict resolution
and peacemaking.
"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 will do whatever it takes to defend the integrity and freedom of my country."

These lines express a strong commitment to peaceful leadership, integrity, and the defense
of a nation's freedom. The aforementioned sentences express the speaker's conviction that
she is profoundly committed to giving herself and her service in order to uphold peace and
end disputes in the Philippines. This statement underscores the leader's commitment to
maintaining power through peaceful means, likely referencing their initial rise to power
through non-violent methods. They see this as a contract or promise to their people and a
commitment to their faith.

The speaker seems to be emphasizing a philosophy of reconciliation and forgiveness. They

are determined to avoid violent conflict and seek to resolve issues through peaceful means,
even in the face of historical injustices. Additionally, the speaker demonstrates the leader's
unwavering dedication to safeguarding their nation's integrity and freedom. It implies a
readiness to take any necessary actions, within ethical and lawful boundaries, to protect
these fundamental values.

Overall, Aquino underlines that using violence to win the freedom of a country is not the way
to do it. But reconciliation is possible with open conversation; we can achieve peace, and
using harmful tools is not a solution.

Political Conflicts

The speech that former President Cory Aquino gave was presented in the United States of
America. Her speech prominently featured the political conflict in the Philippines during the
reign of Marcos.

The lines were the following:

The people vindicated me in an election shamefully marked by government thuggery and

fraud. The opposition swept the elections, garnering a clear majority of the votes, even if
they ended up, thanks to a corrupt Commission on Elections, with barely a third of the seats
in parliament. Now, I knew our power.

Last year, in an excess of arrogance, the dictatorship called for its doom in a snap election.
The people obliged. With over a million signatures, they drafted me to challenge the
dictatorship. And I obliged them. The rest is the history that dramatically unfolded on your
television screen and across the front pages of your newspapers.

I held out for participation in the 1984 election the dictatorship called, even if I knew it would
be rigged. I was warned by the lawyers of the opposition that I ran the grave risk of
legitimizing the foregone results of elections that were clearly going to be fraudulent.

During the Marcos dictatorship, a lot of complaints were raised, resulting in a conflict
between parties. These lines highlight political conflicts in the Marcos regime. The author
claims to have been vindicated by the people in an election that was marred by government
thuggery and fraud. This suggests that they were political figures who gained support
despite the unfair electoral practices. Additionally, the opposition party won the elections with
a clear majority of votes but ended up with only a third of the parliamentary seats,
presumably due to manipulation by a corrupt Commission on Elections. The author also
talks about how they are conscious of their expanding influence and power following this
election. On the other hand, the populace rallied behind the author and gathered more than
a million petitions to oppose the dictatorship when the dictatorship called for a quick poll the
next year. Added to that, the speech or the specific lines reiterate that the author accepted
the challenge, and the subsequent events were widely reported in the media and made
history. Despite opposition attorneys' warnings that it may legitimize false results, the author
declared a readiness to take part in the 1984 election that the dictatorship called despite the
risk of election rigging. Lastly, the author emphasizes their dedication to democratic
participation in spite of the obstacles in these lines, which seem to represent a tale of
political struggle and resistance against an authoritarian administration.

PERSUASIVE WRITING STYLES

Emotive words

Corazon Aquino's speeches utilize a persuasive style enriched with emotive language and
storytelling techniques to establish a profound connection with her audience. She
commences with a poignant emotional appeal, starting her speech with the heartfelt
declaration, "I departed America in sorrow to lay my husband, Ninoy Aquino, to rest." This
initial emotional connection forms the foundation for a speech that delves into deep
sentiments.

Aquino adeptly fosters empathy by vividly portraying the nation's disillusionment: "A country
that had lost faith in its future found it through a faithless and audacious act of murder." By
illustrating despair and the shocking nature of the murder, she encourages her audience to
empathize with the nation's anguish and yearning for justice.

Her storytelling technique immerses the audience in the narrative, recounting specific events
such as women poll watchers shedding tears during elections. By situating the audience
within these events, she evokes their empathy and rouses their indignation. Furthermore,
Aquino employs emotive language to appeal for peace, stressing her dedication to peaceful
solutions. She employs expressions like the "path of peace" and "olive branch of peace,"
resonating with the audience's desire for harmony and resolution.

Through disclosing her personal connection and grief over her husband's death, Aquino
humanizes herself and elicits sympathy from her audience. She presents him as a loving
husband and father, rendering his loss deeply personal. Aquino effectively contrasts the
nation's perception of Ninoy as a "pleasing sacrifice" for freedom with her own viewpoint of
him as a cherished family member. This contrast underscores the emotional gravity of his
sacrifice for the nation and the shared sense of loss.

Finally, she concludes her speech with a potent message of redemption and victory
emerging from defeat. Phrases such as "through giving, we receive" and "from defeat, we
seized our victory" instill hope and resilience in the audience. Through these emotive
expressions, Aquino skillfully conveys her message, eliciting a strong emotional response
from her listeners while inspiring them to embrace hope even in the face of adversity.

Appeal to collective identity

Corazon Aquino effectively employs the appeal to collective identity in her speeches, deeply
connecting with her audience by emphasizing shared values, experiences, and goals. She
praises the courage and integrity of the Filipino people in defending democracy, evoking a
strong sense of national pride and unity. Aquino extends this sense of collective identity to
an international level, highlighting the importance of cooperation and strengthening the
friendship between the Philippines and the United States. Her invitation for the United States
to join in constructing a new democracy underscores our shared dedication to democratic
values. Additionally, she portrays the Filipino people as champions of democracy and
underscores the strength of unity, exemplified by the two million individuals who
accompanied Ninoy Aquino to his final resting place. By addressing the Congress of the
United States as "the foremost bastion of democracy," she reaffirms the mutual commitment
to democratic principles. Overall, Aquino's persuasive style effectively utilizes the Appeal to
Collective Identity, nurturing a feeling of togetherness, shared responsibility, and a collective
devotion to the cause of democracy, rendering her speeches both compelling and resonant.

Appeal to values

Corazon Aquino effectively uses the appeal to values in her speeches to deeply connect with
her audience by highlighting shared principles and beliefs. She praises the courage and
integrity of the Filipino people, emphasizing these qualities as essential to their identity and
tapping into the audience's pride in these values, particularly in the context of defending
democracy. She also references Abraham Lincoln's words to underscore universal values of
unity, reconciliation, and compassion, aligning her message with common American ideals
and reinforcing the shared principles of democracy and empathy. Aquino acknowledges
pressing needs and commits to addressing them, appealing to values of empathy and
compassion, which resonate with the audience's belief in helping one another. By positioning
herself as a champion of the democratic alternative, she aligns her message with the
collective value of democracy, making her speeches both compelling and deeply meaningful
through a strong appeal to shared values.

Appeal to National Pride

“A country that had lost faith in its future found it in a faithless and brazen act of murder. So
in giving, we receive; in losing, we find; and out of defeat, we snatched our victory."

"You saw a nation, armed with courage and integrity, stand fast by democracy against
threats and corruption."
But the spirit of democracy that inheres in our race and animates this chamber could not be
allowed to die.

You saw a people so committed to the ways of democracy that they were prepared to give
their lives for its pale imitation. At the end of the day, before another wave of fraud could
distort the results, I announced the people’s victory.

Cory Aquino’s speech aligns with the appeal to national pride by emphasizing the Filipino
people's perseverance and dedication in the face of tragedy. It emphasizes the
characteristics of bravery, integrity, and democracy that constitute the country's identity. The
speech begins with a reference to a country that has "lost faith in its future" as a result of the
horrific assassination of her husband, Benigno Aquino Jr. The murder, described as
"faithless and brazen," marks a low point in the country's history. The next sentences, on the
other hand, portray a sense of resilience and recovery. The expression "in giving, we
receive, in losing, we find, and in defeat, we snatched our victory" implies that the Filipino
people overcame adversity to gain strength, unity, and, finally, victory. The speech finally
celebrates a sense of victory and unity, instilling in the audience a great sense of national
pride. It depicts the Filipino people as heroes who have conquered challenges to their
democracy, bolstering their national identity and pride.

Economic Constraints

Half our export earnings, $2 billion out of $4 billion, which was all we could earn in the
restrictive markets of the world, went to pay just the interest on a debt whose benefit the
Filipino people never received."

We face a communist insurgency that feeds on economic deterioration, even as we carry a

great share of the free world's defenses in the Pacific. These are only two of the many
burdens my people carry even as they try to build a worthy and enduring house for their new
democracy, which may serve as a redoubt for freedom in Asia. Yet, no sooner is one stone
laid than two are taken away. Half our export earnings, $2 billion out of $4 billion, which was
all we could earn in the restrictive markets of the world, went to pay just the interest on a
debt whose benefit the Filipino people never received.

In this part of the speech, former President Cory Aquino placed emphasis on the economic
challenges that the Philippines have been facing during the Marcos regime. She notes and
emphasizes that the country has been facing challenges, which include the heavy debt, half
of which was used to pay the interest alone. This part of the speech highlights the efforts of
the former president to overcome economic hardships by creating relationships with other
countries. On the other hand, the issue of economic constraints during the Marcos regime
has been brought up. Allegations of corruption have been presented in this part of the
speech. However, even with all of this, this part of the speech lacks the specific information
to persuade the audience at that time. It lacks specificity in regard to the economic
challenges and the communist surge. All that has been stated about the matter is the
amount of money that has been allegedly corrupted, which is supported by the lines of the
former president, who states, whoever benefits the Filipino people never receives." The
problem of the speech is that the challenges of the heavy debt have been laid out, but no
clear solutions have been addressed to these challenges. The former president could have
somehow provided some context about what is happening; however, it is clearly visible that
it lacks the needed information. Despite all of this, it is still clear that the speech of former
President Cory Aquino left a mark and had an impact on the history of the Filipinos.

Persuasion in correlation to emotion and attitude

"You saw women poll watchers break out in tears as armed goons crashed the polling
places to steal the ballots, but, just the same, they tied themselves to the ballot boxes."

"The people take care of their own. It is on that faith and the obligation it entails that I
assumed the presidency."

"You saw a nation, armed with courage and integrity, stand fast by democracy against
threats and corruption."

In this part of Corazon Aquino’s speech, she describes a situation where individuals,
particularly women poll watchers, were emotionally affected by a distressing event involving
armed individuals attempting to corrupt the electoral process. Despite their emotional
response, these individuals remained committed to safeguarding the integrity of the voting
process by protecting the ballot boxes.

In terms of persuasion, these statements are attempting to evoke strong emotions and
attitudes in the reader or listener. Emotions, such as empathy and concern for the well-being
of those affected, can be powerful tools in persuasion. By describing the emotional reactions
of the women poll watchers, the speaker is trying to elicit a sympathetic response from the
audience, appealing to their sense of justice and fairness.
Additionally, the statements emphasize the values of courage, integrity, and democracy. By
associating these values with the actions of the people who protected the ballot boxes, the
speaker is trying to influence the attitudes of the audience. The speaker is suggesting that
these values are worth upholding and that the audience should align their attitudes with
these principles. This appeal to shared values and ideals can be persuasive in shaping
public opinion and encouraging a specific attitude or response from the audience.

Overall, the statements are using the emotions of empathy and admiration for courage and
integrity, along with the reinforcement of democratic values, to persuade the audience to
support the idea that people should protect their democracy against threats and corruption.

Persuasion in Politics

The task had fallen on my shoulders to continue offering a democratic alternative to our
people.

"The people obliged me to challenge the dictatorship, and I obliged them."

"Surely, the people take care of their own."

"I don’t think anybody, in or outside our country, concerned for a democratic and open
Philippines, doubts what must be done."

The speaker perceives a significant responsibility to provide a democratic option for the
people of their country. It implies a sense of duty to maintain and promote democratic values
and principles. In this connection, the speaker acknowledges that they were encouraged and
supported by the people to confront the dictatorship. Their response indicates a willingness
to act on behalf of the people's desires, emphasizing their alignment with the will of the
populace. This line expresses confidence in the people's ability to collectively address their
needs and challenges. It suggests that the speaker trusts in the agency and determination of
the citizens to work towards their goals, including the promotion of democracy. The speaker
asserts that there is a clear consensus among those who care about a democratic and open
Philippines regarding the necessary actions. This implies a shared understanding of what
needs to be accomplished to achieve democratic goals.
Contrast

Corazon Aquino effectively uses the persuasive technique of contrast in her speeches to
make her messages stronger and more engaging. In her first statement, she points out the
difference between how the Filipino people achieved democracy mostly on their own,
emphasizing their determination and ability to do it independently.

In her second statement, Aquino emphasizes that "people take care of themselves,"
meaning they can handle their problems without relying on others. This makes them proud
and responsible.

Furthermore, in the third statement, she confidently states that nobody doubts what needs to
be done for a democratic and open Philippines. This shows her strong commitment to
democracy, without any uncertainty.

Lastly, Aquino compares the sacrifices made by the United States to spread freedom in
other countries with those made in the Philippines, where the people themselves fought for
their freedom. This highlights the importance of protecting their hard-earned freedom and
how unique their situation is. In summary, Corazon Aquino's use of contrast makes her
messages powerful and easy to understand, leaving a lasting impact on her audience.

PERSUASIVE DEVICES USED IN SPEECH

Ethos

Corazon Aquino's speeches, enriched with compelling rhetorical techniques, effectively

showcase her unwavering commitment to democratic values and her resolute dedication to
her cause. In her first statement, she skillfully contrasts the "subservient parliament" with
"the people" who rallied in the streets to declare her president. This deliberate comparison
highlights the genuineness of her presidency, rooted in the popular support and will of the
people. It reinforces her ethical position and steadfast devotion to democratic principles.

In the second statement, Aquino employs a powerful allusion by referencing her late
husband, Ninoy Aquino. By adhering to "Ninoy's conviction," she not only evokes his moral
authority but also pays homage to his legacy as a fearless advocate of democracy. This
allusion underscores her ethical commitment to following the path of democracy, aligning
herself with the values and principles embodied by Ninoy Aquino. It significantly enhances
her credibility and Ethos's credibility as a leader deeply devoted to upholding democratic
ideals.

In summary, Corazon Aquino's adept use of rhetorical devices, specifically contrast and
allusion, bolsters her ethos in her speeches. These persuasive techniques not only
emphasize her dedication to democracy and the people's will but also underscore her
alignment with the values and legacy of her late husband. Through these persuasive tools,
Aquino effectively conveys her credibility as a leader unwaveringly committed to democratic
principles, leaving a profound impact on her audience.

Pathos

The former president, Cory Aquino, has expressed her personal sentiments in her speech in
a persuasive style to gather the general public. In her speech, the former president began by
talking about the tragic death of her husband. This approach has gathered the sympathy of
the audience, for it establishes a strong and heartfelt connection with the audience. The
former president’s use of pathos in her speech is authentic and genuine; she did not only try
to manipulate the audience’s emotions, but she shared her experiences to gather every
Filipino and the empathy of other countries in order to gain back the lost freedom of the
Philippines. However, her use of pathos in her persuasive speech has also blamed and
pointed fingers to the Marcos regime, in which she states that it violated the human rights of
the Filipinos. The appeal of empathy in the speech, although persuaded by a lot, falls short
in some respects. First is the lack of concrete solutions to the problems that she laid out.
Although the appeal to empathy is crucial in persuading someone, it should also be taken
into account that it is equally crucial to offer solutions to the challenges that she has
mentioned in her speech. In her statement, “I barely did as well,” the appeal to pity is visible,
which visualizes the former president's struggle during that time. However, she did not
explicitly mention the struggles and constraints she has encountered as the one who stands
for the Philippines. The absence of the struggles has somehow become a weakness in her
integration of the speech.

Logos
Corazon Aquino's speeches are known for using smart language tricks to make her
arguments stronger and more convincing. In her first statement, she asks a question that
makes us think about election fraud. She tells us that opposition lawyers warned her about
the risk of accepting fraudulent election results. This strongly emphasizes the need to
carefully check the fairness of elections.

In the second statement, Aquino backs up her argument about the economic impact of
national debt with some powerful numbers. She tells us that a huge chunk of the country's
money—half of its export earnings, which is a massive $2 billion out of $4 billion—only goes
to paying interest on this debt. This logical appeal convincingly argues that the debt did more
harm than good to the Filipino people's finances.

In the third statement, Aquino combines logical arguments with language that includes
everyone to propose a way to make peace. She logically suggests that political actions and
programs can bring rebels down from the hills. By saying that economic progress and justice
can show them why they are fighting, she offers a thoughtful way to resolve conflicts. This
combination of logic and inclusive language appeals to both our thinking and our feelings.

In short, Corazon Aquino's speeches show how to use language tricks like questions and
numbers to make her arguments strong and convincing. These tricks make her positions on
important issues like fair elections, economic effects, and peace strategies deeply resonate
with her audience. The use of logic and facts in her speech have not only persuaded her
audience but the political persons that are present during the speech.

Cory Aquino’s speeches are represented by specific persuasive techniques which

strengthens the message of persuasion between the President of the Philippines and to the
rest of the American Community. The persuasive techniques are deeply ingrained within the
speech which also adds to the creativity of the speech.

FIGURES OF SPEECH

The line “I met with President Reagan yesterday, we began an important dialogue about
cooperation and the strengthening of the friendship between our two countries…” perfectly
falls under tone, which perfectly shows shared understanding between the two nations
through channeling the biggest leaders of the country. This only shows that Cory is
dedicated to strengthening ties between the Philippines and America.
Metaphor shows vision and develops the listener’s deep understanding and thinking. The
lines “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.”, “Today, I say, join us,
America, as we build a new home for democracy, another haven for the oppressed, so it
may stand as a shining testament of our two nation’s commitment to freedom.” shows
metaphorical envisionism within the nation.

Rhetorical questions are essential in speeches, as it tries to put emphasis on an

individual’s specific point. Cory then added a rhetorical question, alongside with expert
opinion which also refers with the opinions being made and scrutinized by experts. The line,
“Yet to all Americans, as the leader of a proud and free people, I address this question: has
there been a greater test of national commitment to the ideals you hold dear than that my
people have gone through? You have spent many lives and much treasure to bring freedom
to many lands that were reluctant to receive it. And here you have a people who won it by
themselves and need only the help to preserve it.” is guarded with a rhetorical question for
the audience to have something to ponder on. Expert opinion, on the other hand, allows one
to show dominance and strength, that the one talking is “well-knowledgeable and all
knowing” in the profession she chose.

Jargons are experting words and language. In her speech, the lines “Half our export
earnings, $2 billion out of $4 billion, which was all we could earn in the restrictive markets of
the world, went to pay just the interest on a debt whose benefit the Filipino people never
received.”, “We face a communist insurgency that feeds on economic deterioration, even as
we carry a great share of the free world defenses in the Pacific. These are only two of the
many burdens my people carry even as they try to build a worthy and enduring house for
their new democracy, that may serve as well as a redoubt for freedom in Asia. Yet, no
sooner is one stone laid than two are taken away. Half our export earnings, $2 billion out of
$4 billion, which was all we could earn in the restrictive markets of the world, went to pay just
the interest on a debt whose benefit the Filipino people never received.”, “We have swept
away absolute power by a limited revolution that respected the life and freedom of every
Filipino. Now, we are restoring full constitutional government. Again, as we restored
democracy by the ways of democracy, so are we completing the constitutional structures of
our new democracy under a constitution that already gives full respect to the Bill of Rights. “
are jargons in the field of politics and governance. Normal people would think highly of
people who constantly use jargon, as it is not common to the general public. Cory, as well as
other presidents, used jargons to explain specificity in finance, platforms, and such. This is a
platform for them to show to the general public that they have something to share on and
that they are doing their job as expected.

Hyperbole shows exaggeration, and in the field of political speeches, this shows extremity in
a specific aspect. The lines “You saw a people so committed to the ways of democracy that
they were prepared to give their lives for its pale imitation. At the end of the day, before
another wave of fraud could distort the results, I announced the people’s victory.”. This
hyperbolical line emphasizes the undying commitment of people just for them to achieve the
democracy that they want after a dictatorial reign.

Anecdotes express stories and narration, just like the lines “With little help from others, we
Filipinos fulfilled the first and most difficult conditions of the debt negotiation, the full
restoration of democracy and responsible government.”, “Two million people threw aside
their passivity and escorted him to his grave. And so began the revolution that has brought
me to democracy’s most famous home, the Congress of the United States.”, “The people
vindicated me in an election shamefully marked by government thuggery and fraud. The
opposition swept the elections, garnering a clear majority of the votes, even if they ended up,
thanks to a corrupt Commission on Elections, with barely a third of the seats in parliament.
Now, I knew our power.”, “Today, we face the aspirations of a people who had known so
much poverty and massive unemployment for the past 14 years and yet offered their lives for
the abstraction of democracy. Wherever I went in the campaign, slum area or impoverished
village, they came to me with one cry: democracy! Not food, although they clearly needed it,
but democracy. Not work, although they surely wanted it, but democracy. Not money, for
they gave what little they had to my campaign. They didn’t expect me to work a miracle that
would instantly put food into their mouths, clothes on their back, education in their children,
and work that will put dignity in their lives. But I feel the pressing obligation to respond
quickly as the leader of a people so deserving of all these things.” These stories narrates the
realities that the people experienced during pre-democracy, during campaign, and after
winning their historical battle. Applying anecdotes in her speech signifies how proud she was
on the path she and her team took for them to achieve the success they wanted.
Analogy compares two similar things by comparing similar characteristics, just like the line
“We began an important dialogue about cooperation and the strengthening of the friendship
between our two countries." wherein cooperation and strengthening friendship between two
countries are compared. Analogy works perfectly within speeches.

CONCLUSION

In politics, speeches are the bread and butter of politicians. This is their way of telling
people their side of the story. It could be an update, an address to an issue, or grabbing
sympathy and support. But not all speeches are reliable and full of truth. Sometimes
speeches are in the form of lies, sometimes deceiving and sometimes persuading. In the
speech of the former president Cory Aquino to the Joint Session of the US Congress on
September 18, 1986, it was a pivotal moment for the country, a historic moment for the
Filipinos in which unity preceded dictatorial power.

The speech opened with a deeply emotional account of the death of the former
president’s husband, Benigno Aquino Sr. With the use of emphatic words and with the
gathering of empathy from the audiences, the former president had created a personal
connection with the audience through an emotional bond making her speech more impactful
and persuasive. The use of appeals and the dropping of conflicts, which show her care for
the country, have persuaded not only the Filipinos but also those involved in politics. From
this meeting today, both our governments will go out with a clear sense of priorities and a
recognition that we must both work hard to strengthen the bonds between us. I hope we
have set the tone and direction for a new relationship. By recovering our democracy, we
Filipinos have recovered our self-confidence and pride, and hence our ability to deal with our
major ally on an equal footing. This is the only basis for a relationship between friends, and I
think we were able to start on that agenda today. I was able to explain to President Reagan
the problems we have inherited, all of which are rooted in a devastated economy. I was also
able to outline to him what we are doing to set things right. I am grateful that President
Reagan understands and supports what we are trying to do. With the statement, it is clear
that the former president has demonstrated her understanding of the socio-political aspects
of the Philippines. She acknowledged the challenges of elite dominance, patronage politics,
and social injustice that had plagued the country. By addressing these democratic deficits,
she sought to restore a sense of fairness and equality in the political system. The speech of
the former president, no doubt, persuaded the Filipinos and the Americans while reinforcing
the shared values of democracy, freedom, and unity.

On the other hand, the former president has also perfectly shown the struggles of
every Filipino during the Marcos administration. She described the people power revolution
as the “miracle of courage and faith” of every Filipino who has willingly stood up in order to
keep freedom and independence alive. She also presented the struggles of her co-Filipinos
and how she incorporated those struggles into the act of slavery by emphasizing a line in her
speech: "I will never be a slave again." The speech of the former president acknowledged
the efforts of the Filipinos, which later became a source of inspiration for how the citizens
could willingly throw out their lives in order to achieve "newly found freedom."

However, her speech during that time does not only imply rainbows and butterflies.
The speech of the former president is clearly biased and is mostly based on her personal
feelings about the Marcos administration. In her speech, it is visible that she has used her
own perspective to overthrow the Marcos administration and to present her own agenda for
the Philippines. One example of Aquino's bias is her portrayal of the Marcos regime. She
describes the Marcos regime as a "dictatorship" and accuses Marcos of being a "tyrant" and
a "murderer." She also claims that the Marcos regime was responsible for widespread
corruption and human rights abuses.

On the other hand, the speech also lacked solutions to the problems she addressed.
In the statement “We face a communist insurgency that feeds on economic deterioration,
even as we carry a great share of the free world defenses in the Pacific," she has explicitly
laid out the issues facing the country but has forgotten to mention the solutions and her
plans about how to fix the uprising issues. The repetition of themes in her speech, especially
in her husband’s death, could also be excessive at times for some and could be considered
emotional manipulation.

Nevertheless, this will not obliterate the fact that the former president has created a
very historic moment through this speech. The speech of the former president did not stem
from the coercive influence she wielded but from her capability to catch the audience with
her emotive words. The emotional bond she created with her audience made her speech
impactful to the extent that it became a pivotal moment in the history of Filipinos. How she
described her husband’s death and struggle and how she described the struggles of her co-
Filipinos have become a driving force for the audiences to support her and her future plans
for the country. According to the remarks of the former president Ronald Reagan, which
state his admiration for freedom and hard work and how America and the Philippines shared
a common value that roots out in independence, this clearly shows how persuasive her
speech is, making it a potent tool for rallying support and garnering international
understanding. Despite the inadequacies of the former president’s speech, it is critical to
acknowledge Cory Aquino's speech and the role she played in bringing about change in the
Philippines. Aquino's speech struck a chord with the Filipino people because it drew on their
common history of resistance against colonialism and injustice. From the Spanish colonial
period to the recent overthrow of the Marcos administration, the Filipino people's battles
have defined their collective identity and sense of resilience. This history was represented in
Aquino's address, which acted as a rallying cry for unity and empowerment. However, it is
critical to recognize that addressing the Philippines' complicated difficulties takes more than
just rhetoric.
 REFERENCES

Delve, & Limpaecher. (2020, August 31). How to Do Thematic Analysis. Retrieved from Essential
Guide to Coding Qualitative Data: https://delvetool.com/blog/thematicanalysis

Gordon, J. (2022, April 15). Persuasion Theory- Explained. Retrieved from The Business Professor:
https://thebusinessprofessor.com/en_US/communications-negotiations/persuasion-theory-
explained

Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (2000). Civil political discourse in a democracy: The contribution of
psychology. Peace and Conflict Journal of Peace Psychology, 6(4), 291–317.
https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327949PAC0604_01

Mann, T. (2005) Why the President’s Speech Is Important | Brookings. (2016, July 28). Brookings.
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/why-the-presidents-speech-is-important/

McGaan, L. (1994). Introduction to Persuasion. Retrieved from Monmouth College:

https://department.monm.edu/cata/rankin/Classes/Scat101/assignments/rational.htm?
fbclid=IwAR0z0HRmJlAg8i_bKtolr-ONKerLXt96Mx8k-59F0qPU-GvgH-tv8qYbzaw

Wrobel, S. (2015). "Logos, Ethos, Pathos". Classical Rhetoric Revisited. Retrieved from Jstor:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/44113896?
fbclid=IwAR1cPw3GHkQKj_07iOtvSTMTpNRy7P2MuOgb34kZzdtWfqqsBk34-T8oqXk