Babe's Eye View article

The people’s overwhelming show of support and sympathy for the Aquino family on the death of former president Cory Aquino is being heralded by many as an indication that the country’s political landscape has changed dramatically. This was further fueled by the eulogy of the late president’s youngest daughter Kris when she reminded her brother, Senator Noynoy Aquino, that they are both in a position to continue what their parents started—a statement that spells a new level in Philippine politics.

A lot of people were intrigued by the statement, especially when Kris revealed that she had made a promise to their mother to support Noynoy in whatever political decision he will be making. Soon after, a lot of talk (text messages, actually) came out pushing Noynoy to be the running mate of Mar Roxas in 2010, since both men are members of the Liberal Party.

But while Noynoy himself had dispelled suggestions for him to run for higher office at this time and had also rejected suggestions for Kris to join politics as well, one thing is clear: the Aquinos will continue to play a major role in Philippine politics. Kris, a popular actress and TV host who on many occasions has been described as the female version of Ninoy, correctly reads the influence she can wield—should she decide to do so—in politics.

Inquirer columnist Manuel Quezon III recalls what his grandfather and namesake, the late president Manuel L. Quezon, told his wife should the time come that he would pass away. Quezon said, “When I die, remember that I belong to the country.”

Judging from the stream of people who continue to visit the tomb of the late president, there is no mistaking the fact that Filipinos have come to look at Mrs. Aquino as their own. Even in death, she still plays a critical role in this country’s politics, with many saying that the “Cory magic” seems to have taken on a new life with her passing. Mrs. Aquino’s major contribution had been the restoration of our country’s democratic system, in the process becoming an icon not only to Filipinos but even to foreigners, inspiring people from all over the world to strive for, and preserve, democracy.

Mrs. Aquino certainly raised the level of politics in this country. Highly respected long after her presidency—her death enshrined her in the hearts of so many Filipinos looking for a leader who exuded integrity and sincerity—traits associated with the late president. To many people, Cory was a shining example of what a good president should be.

Today, Filipinos have raised the bar as far as their expectations for future leaders are concerned, and whoever comes next will have to rise to a higher level of comparison with the late president. After all, the people will want to see the same kind of courage, faith, humility and integrity that Mrs. Aquino had exemplified during her lifetime.

She could have easily stayed on as president and perpetuated her term for six more years, but she chose to step down and relinquish the reins of power to her successor. She refused to give in to the urgings of many who were close to her to cling to her position. This kind of respect for democratic institutions and “doing what is right” are the lasting legacies that Mrs. Aquino left.

During her presidency, she fought off all kinds of threats. And even after she had already stepped down, she continued to guard and preserve, with admirable courage and tenacity, the democratic system that she helped restore. Hers was an example that should remind future leaders that they, too, must step down when the time comes because one cannot stay at the top forever.

US President Barack Obama in his inaugural speech said, “To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history.” Obviously, Obama was referring to leaders all over the world who were blatantly trying to perpetuate their rein by trampling on the law and violating the hallowed tenets of freedom and democracy.

Judging from the events that have happened recently, those who are aspiring to become the leaders of this country today must remember that they must be on the right side of history. In the end, what is important is to leave a legacy and a good name that will forever carry with it the respect and admiration of the people long after one is gone. Respect, most especially, is something that cannot be bought, much less demanded from other people, because it must come naturally out of admiration and perhaps even love.

Doy Laurel was a man who was on “the right side of history” but sadly, the role he played has not been given due recognition. Many have forgotten how he sacrificed his own plans to become president. If one can remember, the folk wisdom at the time was that anyone who ran against Marcos was sure to win—but Doy decided to put the country first and gave way to Mrs. Aquino in order to unify the opposition and rally the people. Without this sacrifice of Doy Laurel, who knows how our history could have turned out?

Richard Nixon once said that “the judgment of history depends on who writes it.” In the case of the late president Corazon Aquino, as shown in the events this past week—the Filipino people have already written her place in history.