On August 1, 2009, at 3:18 AM, Cory Aquino passed on to immortal bliss. We condole with her family, even as we grieve their loss as our own and for the entire Nation-and even the world.
Cory was the renowned icon of People Power. She was the symbol of democracy for the Filipino People and even among peoples across the globe then struggling for freedom.
Truly, her ultimate destiny from housewife to President of the Republic of the Philippines to restore freedom and democracy in our land was designed by Divine Providence.
More importantly for us, however, Cory has left us a great many challenges to continue fighting for like a new president in 2010, clean and honest elections, stamping out graft and corruption, and building a better future for our people.
Remembering Cory on a more personal note, I wish to borrow from the lines of my favorite poet, Papa, who then worked as her NBI Director from 1986 to 1989. Following the coup attempts against Cory's government, Papa wrote this poem, which was published in the Sunday Inquirer in 1987-
Cory and the Bumble Bee
Eggheads wondered how the bumble bee
An aeronautical monstrosity
That by design is not supposed to fly
Keeps on blissfully flitting, buzzing by.
Instant prophets, too, kept prophesying-
"This government won't last. There's no denying
"Tell-tale signs, the end is well in sight.
"Cory's People Power had lost its might."
They saw the end in six months to a year.
The trouble is with neither greed nor fear
Nor knowledge that we're not supposed to last
We're still around though many moons have passed.
Our battle for all that's true is far from over.
Too often, rights and freedoms are but a cover
For minorities that impose their will
By violence. Who lie and maim and kill.
In the name of equality or social reform.
When in reality their only norm
Is-"end justifies the means." Expediency.
With pharisaical infallibility.
On guard! For Truth! And virtue! Our war goes on!
EDSA was but the coming of the dawn
Upon a people longing to be free.
We struggle on with courage and constancy.
We're passing thru, now good, now turbulent weather
But something beyond us, guides us, keeps us together
Seeking justice, peace, and unity
Emplacing the structures of genuine democracy.
Knowing that no nation is an island
Be its place the rimland, heartland, highland,
We labor that fraternal strife may cease-
All peoples live in friendship and in peace.
Amen, I say unto you, disciples of doom-
The good we plant today, tomorrow will bloom!
For Cory's Government is, like the bee,
Designed by more than mortal you or me.
Thank you dear Cory. All the good you've planted, tomorrow will bloom!
And we pray that God, Our Lady of EDSA, all the saints and angels of Heaven, and your beloved Ninoy now welcome you in eternal happiness and peace!