Cory leaves at 76

Cory Aquino, the first female Philippine president who was swept to power via a military-backed people uprising that ousted the Marcos dictatorship in 1986, died at the age of 76 on August 1, 2009.  A descendant of a landed political clan, Cory turned from an ordinary widow, following the death of her husband Ninoy Aquino in 1983, into a face of the opposition that eventually brought down the dictatorial rule of Marcos.

She is remembered for restoring democracy in the Philippines and paving the way for a return of freedom of the press.  These two democratic gains under the Aquino administration were enough to make her a good leader, although the same cannot be said for her handling of the economy and for her hesitation to implement the rule of law against those responsible for coup' attempts that nearly put the country under military rule once again.

World leaders, including US President Barack Obama, expressed their condolence with the Aquino family for the passing of Mrs. Aquino.  European Commission Ambassador Alistair MacDonald described Mrs. Aquino as a a beacon of democracy in the Philippines in 1986 and “an inspiration for many others around the world”.

“Throughout her presidential term, and notwithstanding a number of severe challenges, she never flinched in her determination to ensure that the Philippines would not veer from its democratic path,” Mr. MacDonald said.

Mrs. Aquino was described as an international icon of democracy, a global model of people power.  Too bad, politicians had to egg on the Filipino people to repeat the so-called 1986 People Power revolution again and again for their personal interests.

Remember the 2001 people uprising that installed Gloria Arroyo as president in place of Joseph Estrada.  Remember the dramatic People Power 3 that saw people storm Malacanang Palace in Manila.  Remember the repeated attempts by politicians and businessmen to oust Arroyo through protest rallies in the financial districts of Ortigas and Makati.  The same thing was happening in Thailand, right?  When will this people power phenomenon end?  

Any mention of people power for another time is scary, as this could be egged on by politicians or businessmen with vested interests. The adventurous military generals may take the occasion to grab power for themselves and rule the country into a dark age.  A military in political power is undisciplined, insensitive, fatal and evil.  

As Cory is laid to rest, may the Filipino people find political maturity and stop relying on people power and begin trusting in God's power, once and for all.

The next presidential election is less than a year away.  It is with hope that the Filipino people, and the electoral process using a computerized system, will elect a new leader who knows what he or she is doing.

In choosing the next Philippine president, some questions need to be answered.  

• How will he create jobs?
• How will he increase people's income, improve productivity and boost business activities
• How will he stabilize prices of petroleum products, electricity, commodities and services?
• How will he tame foreign exchange fluctuations?
• How will he encourage the private sector, including foreign and local businessmen, to invest?
• How will he discipline the military?
• How will he inspire good governance?
• How will he bring peace to Mindanao?
• How will he ensure the continuous protection of human rights, freedom of expression, and freedom of faith?
• How will he gain public acceptance for advocating morality, discipline, good family values and faith in God?
• How will he ensure the cooperation of Congress and the Supreme Court in pushing for good laws that will benefit the economy and protect national interest?
• How will he bring potable water and clean energy to all households?
• How will he ensure that every family has a house of their own?
• How will he make education accessible to everyone?
• How will he make medical treatment affordable?
• How will he resolve the problems of crime, corruption, smuggling, gambling, prostitution and immorality?
• How will he make the Philippines self-sufficient in food and energy?
• How will he protect the environment and wild life?
• How will he reduce the economic and social impact of typhoons, earthquake, and volcanic eruption on the country?
• How will he reduce occurrence of floods and soil erosion?
• How will he enforce responsible laws to protect the consumers while encouraging investments?
• How will he transform the Philippines into a progressive nation?
• How will he transform the Philippines into a good nation?

Any presidential candidate, who does not have a clue on each issue herein listed has no right to pursue his or her political ambition, which should be reserved for one who can finally guide the Philippines towards real economic development and good status before the international community.

God promised this to Israel, and we believe this also applies to the Philippines today.

"If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)