AQUINO’S SPEECH IN THE US

CONGRESS:
A TURNING POINT IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY
GROUP 4
AG-AGIW, VINA; BAYENG, JENNY, BARAYUGA, JAZEN,
BANAY, FIERY ROCHER, & BARLOLONG, MARY GRACE
 CONTENTS:
1. 2.
• Who is Corazon Aquino? • Background and context of the
text

3. 4.
• Contents of the speech • Its impacts and
significances
 Who is Corazon Aquino?

• Corazon Aquino or Maria Sumulong-Cojuangco

Aquino, was born on January 25, 1993 in Tarlac
Philippines
• Widow of Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.,
• She was the 11th president and the 1st female
president of the Philippines and in Asia.
• “Mother of Democracy”
• Died on August 1, 2009
 Speech of Her Excellency Corazon C. Aquino
President of the Philippines During the
Joint Session of the United States Congress

Background and Context:

• People Power Revolution:
- Took place in February 1986
- led to the removal of authoritarian President Ferdinand Marcos and
the restoration of democracy

• The Philippines was reckoning with everything the Marcos administration/dictatorship have
inflicted

• September 18, 1986: - 7 months after her presidency as well as the People Power
Revolution
 Speech of Her Excellency Corazon C. Aquino
President of the Philippines During the
Joint Session of the United States Congress

Contained the following:

• She and her family’s experiences and sorrows for losing her husband
(Ninoy Aquino)
• Emphasized the importance of democracy and human rights; Sought
continued American assistance in promoting these values.
• Expressing gratitude for U.S. support during the People Power Revolution.
• Aiming to strengthen diplomatic ties
• Committed to democratic governance and the rule of law.
 International Significance:
How Aquino's speech
contributed to international
recognition:
-During this period, the United
States, under President Ronald
Reagan's leadership, actively
supported the Philippines'
transition to democracy by
diplomatically pressuring the
Marcos regime, providing
financial aid, and strengthening
the partnership with Corazon
Aquino's government through her
speech in the U.S. Congress.
The role of the United States in
supporting the Philippines:
-During this period, the United
States, under President Ronald
Reagan's leadership, actively
supported the Philippines'
transition to democracy by
diplomatically pressuring the
Marcos regime, providing
financial aid, and strengthening
the partnership with Corazon
Aquino's government through
her speech in the U.S.
Congress.
Diplomatic -or political
consequences:
-As a result of the People Power
Revolution, Corazon Aquino
becoming president had
important outcomes: the
Philippines gained recognition as
a democratic nation
internationally, Ferdinand
Marcos was isolated and exiled,
and the U.S. government was
influenced to support peaceful
revolutions elsewhere based on
the Philippines' successful
example.
 Impact and Legacy:
• Impact of Aquino's speech on the Philippines and its future:
Corazon Aquino's speech had a profound impact on the
• -Mention any policy changes or actions
Philippines by solidifying the country's commitment to
democracy and human rights. It marked the end of an era of
authoritarian rule and set the stage for democratic governance.
• Highlight its inspiration for democracy movements globally:
Aquino's speech served as an inspirational example for democracy
movements worldwide. The peaceful success of the People Power
Revolution became a model for non-violent political change and
inspired movements in other countries seeking to transition from
authoritarian regimes to democratic systems.
resulting from the speech: While the
speech itself didn't lead to specific policy
changes, it had a significant diplomatic
impact by strengthening the Philippines'
relationship with the United States and
garnering international support for the
country's transition to democracy
(financial aid, diplomatic recognition,
and promotion of democratic
governance and human rights)
Conclusion:
• In summary, Corazon Aquino's speech in the U.S. Congress highlighted the values
of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. It symbolized the Philippines'
,,,kk
transition from authoritarian rule to democracy and its partnership with the United
States.

• Its lasting significance in Philippine and international history: Corazon Aquino's

speech holds enduring significance as a symbol of hope and inspiration for people
seeking democracy and human rights worldwide. It played an important role in the
Philippines' history by ushering in an era of democracy and freedom. Internationally,
it served as a model for peaceful change and highlights the importance of supporting
democratic movements. Corazon Aquino's legacy as a champion of democracy and
human rights has a strong impact, reminding us of the enduring value of these
principles in the world.
Thank
you