Former President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino passed away today at around 3:18 a.m. Filipinos mourn her passing as if it is a personal loss. Filipinos are mourning as if they have lost a mother. The country mourns her passing because it has lost a great leader. Nonetheless, she will continue to be an inspiration and her legacy will be always remembered.
President Cory was the embodiment of what is good, sincere, and unselfish. She was not greedy, power-hungry, or conceited. She was idealistic and trustworthy. Although she might have some shortcomings as a head-of-state, she always thought of the best interest of the country above her own personal interest. She never used her political powers to enrich herself or gain special favors. She never clung to the office of the president as if it was some kind of personal property.
She was born in privilege and affluence but she was never boastful or flaunting. She was very intelligent and well-educated but had chosen a career as a low profile housewife of a celebrated and powerful politician. However, in spite of her choice of a simple life, she was destined for something great. Greatness was thrust upon her even if she did not ask or aspire for it. She reluctantly accepted the mantel of leadership when the nation asked her service. Her administration might not have been perfect but it had served its purpose of paving the way for the restoration of democracy. Whatever political freedom, press freedom, and economic freedom that we are enjoying today, we are indebted to her in so many ways.
It is sad that the freedom and democracy that Cory and many other heroes have fought for are now being abused and threatened by some who are now enjoying power and privilege. If there is one great lesson that should be learned by our leaders from Cory, it would be the principle of leadership dispensability. Cory always believed that leaders, no matter how skilled and intelligent, are always replaceable. No politician is justified in clinging into power by thinking that he or she is indispensable.
The Filipino nation bids farewell with grateful tears to a leader, mother, heroine, and moral compass who was Corazon Aquino. She now enters the pantheon of great Filipinos who have changed the course of history.
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