Corazon Aquino Quotes

Powerful Corazon Aquino for Daily Growth

About Corazon Aquino

Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, fondly known as Cory Aquino, was born on January 25, 1933, in Tarlac City, Philippines. She was the fifth of nine children of former Senator Sergei Cojuangco y Lopez and Demetria Heart Evangelista-Cojuangco. Her upbringing was marked by a strong sense of Catholic faith and social responsibility. Aquino attended the College of Mount Saint Vincent in New York, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Secretarial Administration in 1953. Upon returning to the Philippines, she worked as a stenographer for the Philippines' Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. In 1954, she married Benigno S. Aquino Jr., a prominent opposition leader, with whom she had five children. Aquino's political journey began in earnest when her husband was assassinated upon his return from exile in 1983. The nationwide outpouring of grief following his death galvanized the opposition to the authoritarian rule of President Ferdinand Marcos. In 1986, Aquino ran for president and won in a historic snap election that came to be known as the "People Power Revolution." As president, Aquino focused on restoring democracy, combating corruption, and addressing economic issues. She was instrumental in drafting the 1987 Philippine Constitution and reestablishing the rule of law. Her major works include the establishment of the Presidential Commission on Good Government to recover Marcos' ill-gotten wealth, the creation of the Human Rights Victims Claims Board to compensate victims of human rights violations during the Marcos era, and the launch of the Philippine Peace Plan to address the Muslim separatist conflict in Mindanao. Aquino stepped down from the presidency in 1992 and devoted her later years to charity work. She passed away on August 1, 2009, leaving behind a legacy as a symbol of democracy and national unity. Her quotations, such as "The Filipino is worth dying for," continue to inspire generations of Filipinos.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The Filipino is awakened. He will not be deceived again."

This quote suggests that the Filipino people are now conscious and aware, having learned from past experiences where they may have been deceived or mistreated. They will no longer tolerate dishonesty or deceit in their leaders and expect transparency and integrity in governance. It implies a commitment to hold accountable those who attempt to manipulate them, fostering an era of political awakening and reform within the Philippines.

"I am not a hero, but I am determined."

This quote by Corazon Aquino signifies her humility and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite being hailed as a national heroine in the Philippines for her role in the peaceful overthrow of the Marcos dictatorship, Aquino saw herself not as a hero but rather as someone determined to pursue what she believed was right. This shows a deep sense of self-awareness and an unwavering commitment to her cause, underscoring her extraordinary leadership qualities.

"We are not powerless. We can do something to change our country for the better."

This quote emphasizes that despite any circumstances or challenges, individuals possess the power to effect positive change in their nation. It encourages people to take action towards improving their country, implying that apathy or resignation should not be an option. The message is one of empowerment, urging citizens to engage actively in making their community and nation a better place.

"True democracy is when the government serves its people, not when the people serve their government."

This quote by Corazon Aquino emphasizes that a genuine democracy exists when the primary function of the government is to serve its citizens, rather than the other way around. It's suggesting that in a democratic society, it's not just about the people exercising their right to vote or participating in political processes, but also ensuring that their needs, rights, and well-being are prioritized by their elected representatives. In essence, she is advocating for government accountability, transparency, and responsiveness to the citizens, which are fundamental principles of a functional democracy.

"Let us unite as one to bring about change in our country, a change that will mean freedom from corruption, freedom from poverty, and freedom from fear."

This quote by Corazon Aquino, a former President of the Philippines, calls for unity among the people to instigate positive change within their nation. The change she envisions is threefold: 1. Freedom from corruption: She yearns for an end to political dishonesty and misuse of power that often thwarts progress and justice. 2. Freedom from poverty: Aquino aims to alleviate the widespread economic hardship faced by many Filipinos, seeking a more equitable distribution of resources. 3. Freedom from fear: By eradicating corruption and reducing poverty, she hopes to create an environment where citizens can live without fear, free to pursue their dreams and enjoy peace and security. In essence, Corazon Aquino's quote emphasizes the importance of collective action in bringing about a more just, equitable, and peaceful society.

National leaders who find themselves wilting under the withering criticisms by members of the media, would do well not to take such criticism personally but to regard the media as their allies in keeping the government clean and honest, its services.

- Corazon Aquino

Government, Media, Leaders, Allies

I've reached a point in life where it's no longer necessary to try to impress. If they like me the way I am, that's good. If they don't, that's too bad.

- Corazon Aquino

Bad, Like, Necessary, Impress

It is true you cannot eat freedom and you cannot power machinery with democracy. But then neither can political prisoners turn on the light in the cells of a dictatorship.

- Corazon Aquino

Political, Prisoners, Then, Dictatorship

Reconciliation should be accompanied by justice, otherwise it will not last. While we all hope for peace it shouldn't be peace at any cost but peace based on principle, on justice.

- Corazon Aquino

Principle, Otherwise, Based, Reconciliation

It wasn't until we got over the self pity that we were able to accept suffering as apart of our life with Christ. A man or woman reaches this plane only when he or she ceases to be the hero.

- Corazon Aquino

Woman, Suffering, Plane, Ceases

It is not I who have been consigned to the bedroom of history.

- Corazon Aquino

History, Been, Who, Bedroom

All the world wondered as they witnessed... a people lift themselves from humiliation to the greatest pride.

- Corazon Aquino

World, Themselves, Witnessed, Lift

I just do whatever it is that I believe I should do, regardless of the risks to my life.

- Corazon Aquino

Risks, Chance, My Life, I Believe

The media's power is frail. Without the people's support, it can be shut off with the ease of turning a light switch.

- Corazon Aquino

Light, Ease, Shut, Switch

The nation was awakened by that deafening shot.

- Corazon Aquino

History, Nation, Shot, Awakened

Freedom of expression - in particular, freedom of the press - guarantees popular participation in the decisions and actions of government, and popular participation is the essence of our democracy.

- Corazon Aquino

Participation, Expression, Guarantees

You, the foreign media, have been the companion of my people in its long and painful journey to freedom.

- Corazon Aquino

Journey, Freedom, Been, Painful

I know my limitations, and I don't like politics. I was only involved because of my husband.

- Corazon Aquino

Politics, Like, Involved, Limitations

I am not embarrassed to tell you that I believe in miracles.

- Corazon Aquino

Positive, I Am, Embarrassed, I Believe In

Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather, it is a spirit that bears things - with resignations, yes, but above all, with blazing, serene hope.

- Corazon Aquino

Faith, Storm, Blazing, Bears

As I came to power peacefully, so shall I keep it.

- Corazon Aquino

Peace, Keep, Came, Peacefully

I acknowledged that I owed my presidency to People Power. I resolved during my presidency that I would in turn empower the people.

- Corazon Aquino

Presidency, Owed, Would, Resolved

It's very simple, I just tell my sad story, and people weep.

- Corazon Aquino

Sad, Tell, Very, Weep

I would rather die a meaningful death than to live a meaningless life.

- Corazon Aquino

Death, Die, Would, Meaningless

I don't have any formula for ousting a dictator or building democracy. All I can suggest is to forget about yourself and just think of your people. It's always the people who make things happen.

- Corazon Aquino

Building, About, Your, Things Happen

When you restore democracy, you cannot say that only those who worked for the restoration of democracy will be allowed to use the privileges of a democracy.

- Corazon Aquino

Will, Restore, Privileges, Restoration

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.

- Corazon Aquino

Here, Receive, Lives, Lands

I guess my religious faith sustained me more than anything else. Family is also very important. If I didn't have children, it would have been too difficult. Even if you are strong, you still need people who would support you all the way.

- Corazon Aquino

Been, Religious, Very, Religious Faith

One must be frank to be relevant.

- Corazon Aquino

Communication, Frank, Must, Relevant

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