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Main Argument of The Speech

In her 1986 speech to the U.S. Congress, former Philippine President Corazon Aquino summarized the struggles the Filipino people faced under the Marcos regime, including oppression, the loss of democracy, and the inability to freely voice opinions without retaliation. She explained that these circumstances inspired the people-powered revolution that removed Marcos from power and established freedom and democracy in the Philippines. Aquino noted that despite their poverty, the Filipino people's greatest cry was for democracy rather than material needs. Her speech served to advocate for the new democratic government and commemorate the Filipino people's courage in fighting for their fundamental rights.

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Leslie Joy Castro
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581 views2 pages

Main Argument of The Speech

In her 1986 speech to the U.S. Congress, former Philippine President Corazon Aquino summarized the struggles the Filipino people faced under the Marcos regime, including oppression, the loss of democracy, and the inability to freely voice opinions without retaliation. She explained that these circumstances inspired the people-powered revolution that removed Marcos from power and established freedom and democracy in the Philippines. Aquino noted that despite their poverty, the Filipino people's greatest cry was for democracy rather than material needs. Her speech served to advocate for the new democratic government and commemorate the Filipino people's courage in fighting for their fundamental rights.

Uploaded by

Leslie Joy Castro
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Main Argument of the Speech

In the speech of the former President Corazon Aquino before the U.S Congress on
September 18, 1986, she tackled about what were the struggles that the Filipinos experienced
under Marcos regimes, the maltreatment and oppression of the people have endured urged them
to fight for their rights as they cry for the democracy that the Philippines lost during the term of
Marcos. The Filipino people weren’t able to voice out their opinions as well as express what they
wanted to say especially if it’s not favorable to. Marcos did shut-down the congress also detained
those who tries to speak up and fight for nation’s freedom including Benigno Aquino II, but
unfortunately Aquino died on his way to Philippines. That circumstance woke people up and
gave way for the nation’s resurrection by fighting for their freedom against the dictator
governance. As what Corazon Aquino stated,” Wherever I went in the campaign, slum area or
impoverished village, they came to me with one cry: democracy! Not food, although they clearly
needed it, but democracy. Not work, although they surely wanted it, but democracy. Not money,
for they gave what little they had to my campaign.” Which urged her to run for presidency as
people vindicate her to do so, over a million signature was been made which shows support in
her. After the opponent won, people made the cheapest revolutionary movement which swept
away the dictator government. After the nation experienced cruelty under the Marcos regime,
people felt the freedom they longed for so long, Aquino’s death served as light to the nation to
become determined in fighting for what they truly deserved- freedom.

Personal Insights:

After reading and listening to the speech of the former President Corazon Aquino, I
learned that if people are just united nothing is impossible. If people are not just afraid and really
determine to fight for their rights then it will be granted. Some people are afraid to express for
what is right but if we will just help each other and stand for everyone, what we want will
eventually happen. We should speak up for the oppressed we should not let those dictator to
manipulate us. Right now our nation is seemingly experiencing the same thing, people are losing
their right to speak up or voice out their opinions, I hope every Filipino will wake up from the
government’s inefficient performance.
Reference:

Aquino, C.(1986). Speech of President Corazon Aquino during the Joint Session of the U.S.
Congress, September 18, 1986. Retrieved from
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1986/09/18/speech-of-president-corazon-aquino-
during-the-joint-session-of-the-u-s-congress-september-18-1986/

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