Today, we commemorate the 15th death anniversary of former President Corazon “Cory” C. Aquino, an icon of democracy and Asia’s first female president.
Few are aware that I also worked for the late chief executive. She was my first boss. Fresh out of college, I served as her junior in-house reporter for 10 months, from August 1991 until June 30, 1992. Although I will forever be associated with President Fidel V, Ramos, Tita Cory holds a special place in my heart. My time as her close-in writer was brief and it may not provide enough material for a book exclusively about her. Nevertheless, I cherish several memories that keep her alive in my thoughts. (Editor’s note: Terencio is the author of Behind the Red Pen, an account of the six-year Ramos presidency and his experience as a presidential close-in writer.)
One of the most unforgettable moments I had with PCCA was when I received the assignment from then Press Undersecretary Deedee Siytangco to cover Mrs. Aquino’s private trip to Calauit Island on June 20, 1992—just 10 days before her term ended. Back in the ‘90s, before the tourism boom in the country, the 3,700-hectare Safari Park off the coast of Busuanga in Palawan remained a distant dream for most Filipino travelers. It was not part of the usual tour itineraries prepared by travel agencies.
Cory brought along her eldest daughter Ballsy and her grandchildren. Her executive secretary, Franklin Drilon, was also with her. No members of the Malacañang Press Corps or press photographers were allowed to cover, except Cory’s close-in photographer Val Rodriguez.
Much like any ordinary tourist, Cory carried an Instamatic camera and delighted in capturing photos of the wild animals freely roaming the island. Giraffes, zebras, and deer were among her subjects. She exuded a sense of calm during those moments, perhaps because it was the final stretch of her presidency.
In fact, while we were on board a 1928 military truck (the only vehicle in Calauit at the time) I heard her telling Secretary Drilon: “I’m glad it (her six-year term) will be over in 10 days!” Then she jokingly told the rest of her entourage: “O, magpasalamat kayo I am still the president kaya tayo nandito. Sa June 30, wala na ito.” (“Be thankful that I am still president that is why we are all here.”) Then she added: “Well, maybe, when Cecile and I are friends again, we can go back.” (Cecile, wife of then House Speaker Ramon Mitra, Jr., had a falling out with Mrs. Aquino when the latter endorsed FVR over Mitra as her presidential candidate.
The Cory administration was far from perfect but having the privilege of seeing her up close allowed me to witness her sincerity and unwavering commitment to serve the Filipino people. Admitting the shortcomings of her government and perhaps, concerned about her place in history, she told the nation in her last State of the Nation Address: “I honestly did the best I could. No one can be asked of any man.”
Thirty-two years after her presidency and 15 years after her passing, Tita Cory can really rest in eternal peace. Despite the return of the Marcoses to power, with Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s presidency, Cory Aquino’s role in history remains securely anchored. She is remembered not only as the first female president of the Philippines but as a beacon of hope and resilience, a leader who stood firm in her moral convictions amidst the tides of political change.
As we commemorate her death anniversary, let us offer a prayer for Tita Cory and thank her for her service to the nation. Her enduring legacy is a reminder that the power of the people, when united for a common cause, can indeed pave the way for a brighter, more democratic future.
Rest in eternal peace, President Cory!
