Icon of Democracy

" I am not an icon of democracy. You are all, collectively, the icon of democracy." -Corazon Aquino 

    Have you ever asked your parents what happened during the Marcos regime, especially when Martial law was implemented? Well, I did. 

    My mother once told me that during Martial law, the Philippines was indeed clean because people were prohibited to go out of their homes late at night. The military was in control of everything but was the Philippines a safer place to live at those times? Not for my mother since she felt like a prisoner even on her land. She was afraid to go out as a woman seeing those military people holding guns, and looking like a villain. 

    Added to that, the voices of Filipinos were unvalued. If you happen to speak up for your rights, you will either find yourself in the prison or cemetery. All of this happened under the late dictator's brutal regime, and thanks to Former Pres. Cory Aquino that she was able to end it with her presence. Former Pres. Cory Aquino was a recognized figure in national politics for more than a decade; subsequent leaders will find it difficult to fill her significance as an advocate of democracy and ethical exemplar. Democracy is her most significant legacy for the Filipino people and the country. She came into power in the Philippine government, along with the Filipino people overthrew Pres. Ferdinand Marcos through the famous “People Power” of the Philippines. So yes, she indeed deserves the hype but we must not forget that she won't be able to make it without the undying support and unity of Filipino. It was our parents and grandparents who brought us to Freedom. They were the real brave heroes committed to dying for the nation. 

"Filipino as one empowered group is the real icon of democracy which includes those leaders who fought for it."