Corazon Aquino, former President of Philippines, now heads the Ninoy Aquino Foundation which supports cooperatives worldwide. At her office in Manila, she spoke to 바카라 correspondent Ethan Casey about the current situation. Excerpts:
On whether democracy is secure in the Philippines today: I don't think Filipinos should be complacent about it, or take anything for granted. In order to strengthen democracy, we also have to look into economic and social concerns. We cannot address political issues alone. The government and the private sector should join hands in addressing the economic and social concerns, and maybe the spiritual concerns, of our people.
On balancing freedom with the need to fight terrorism and criminality: There were a lot of bombings (in the early '70s), and it seemed as if anarchy had taken over. President Marcos was then saying that martial law was necessary in order to address the communist threat, and also offering bread in exchange for our freedom. Well, he did not deliver the bread, after taking over our freedom. So I don't think you can blame the Filipinos for asking questions and objecting to what they feel may be misused or abused by the people who will implement this anti-terrorism law. At any rate it is good that there is much discussion.
On the return to the political arena of formerly discredited figures such as Senator Honassan (coup leader elected to the Senate in May 1995) and Imelda Marcos: Unfortunately, everybody who lives under a democracy is entitled to rights and privileges. Hopefully, they will also remember there are corresponding responsibilities and duties. I was disappointed when Honassan won, but then you have to respect the mandate of the people. I can only hope and pray that Honassan will realise this great privilege that has been given to him, and that he will be true to his oath of serving the people and the best interests of the country.
On whether she regrets leaving the presidency: No. Being president was never my ambition, and when I decided to challenge Marcos it was a duty I had to fulfill. At that time the perception was that I alone could unite the Opposition. Perhaps being the widow of Ninoy Aquino brought me centrestage. The people probably saw in me the symbol of the victims of martial law. And while I may not have been the worst victim, I was the best known. That is what brought the people together in going against Marcos. They decided to rally behind the best-known victim.
On the overthrow of dictator Ferdinand Marcos: For the first time, in an event which was seen all over the world, Filipino people were united. Those who went there risked their lives, and they had no thought for their own personal safety. Secondly, they went there upon the call of Cardinal Sin to protect the military. This is a first in history, where the civilian population was called upon to protect the military.
On whether the revolution was too easy: While it seems that the restoration of democracy took place only after four days of struggle, it is not true. From day one of martial law, there were Filipinos ready to stand up against the dictator and unwilling to compromise. One of them was my husband. After the People Power revolution, many people went back to their former occupations. They forgot that their task was still to bring about not only political freedom but also economic freedom.
On the present significance of the revolution.
What is important for us is to learn from the lessons (of the revolution). I think it's particularly important for every Filipino to realise that he or she has a role to play, that you cannot just have the attitude of of just leaving things to the government or others. Or else you have no right to complain if things go wrong.