I acknowledged that I owed my presidency to People Power. I resolved during my presidency that I would in turn empower the people.
Corazon AquinoI know my limitations, and I don't like politics. I was only involved because of my husband.
Corazon AquinoMy biggest disappointment was, of course, the coup attempts, ... The economy was proceeding very well, but in 1989 we had the most serious coup attempt and ... many of the investors who were set to come here had to tell me that they chose to go to other countries because of the uncertainty brought about by (the coup attempt.) If that had not happened, I'm sure our economy would just be booming today.
Corazon AquinoNational leaders who find themselves wilting under the withering criticisms by members of the media, would do well not to take such criticism personally but to regard the media as their allies in keeping the government clean and honest, its services
Corazon AquinoAs our country bled . . . its leader's wife came to this podium piously to call for a new human order, this when thousands of Filipinos were political prisoners.
Corazon AquinoThe politicians think that I have not included enough of them; the nonpoliticians think that I have gone back to the old ways; and the mass public groups think I have forgotten them.
Corazon AquinoI just do whatever it is that I believe I should do, regardless of the risks to my life.
Corazon AquinoI don't have any formula for ousting a dictator or building democracy. All I can suggest is to forget about yourself and just think of your people. It's always the people who make things happen.
Corazon AquinoThe media's power is frail. Without the people's support, it can be shut off with the ease of turning a light switch.
Corazon AquinoI believe that during these times, we should not forget that many sacrificed to regain our democracy. We cannot just keep quiet because that is what happened during martial law. Our dictator then believed that he can do anything to keep himself in power.
Corazon AquinoIt's not just in politics that you can be a servant of the people, you can do it in so many other ways.
Corazon AquinoIt is true you cannot eat freedom and you cannot power machinery with democracy. But then neither can political prisoners turn on the light in the cells of a dictatorship.
Corazon AquinoYou have spent many lives and much treasure to bring freedom to many lands that were reluctant to receive it. And here you have a people who won it by themselves and need only the help to preserve it.
Corazon AquinoThe government cannot do everything all at once. It can't wave a magic wand and meet everyone's demands simultaneously.
Corazon AquinoReconciliation should be accompanied by justice, otherwise it will not last. While we all hope for peace it shouldn't be peace at any cost but peace based on principle, on justice.
Corazon AquinoI've reached a point in life where it's no longer necessary to try to impress. If they like me the way I am, that's good. If they don't, that's too bad.
Corazon AquinoI guess my religious faith sustained me more than anything else. Family is also very important. If I didn't have children, it would have been too difficult. Even if you are strong, you still need people who would support you all the way.
Corazon AquinoI would like to ask the many Filipino people to pray together, to help each other so that we will be able to preserve the democracy we restored 20 years ago.
Corazon AquinoI believe that during these times, we should not forget that many sacrificed to regain our democracy.
Corazon AquinoI salute the 51 congressmen who voted (for the impeachment complaints.) It's not over yet. There will always be hope.
Corazon AquinoAll the world wondered as they witnessed... a people lift themselves from humiliation to the greatest pride.
Corazon AquinoI know there isn't anything I can do that will please everybody. But if I have done according to my beliefs, I sleep very very well.
Corazon AquinoFreedom of expression - in particular, freedom of the press - guarantees popular participation in the decisions and actions of government, and popular participation is the essence of our democracy.
Corazon AquinoThere is much that women can bring into politics that would make our world a kinder, gentler place for humanity to thrive in.
Corazon AquinoYou, the foreign media, have been the companion of my people in its long and painful journey to freedom.
Corazon AquinoLet's continue to pray for each other and ask the Lord to bring us closer to each other. He (God) will bring us not only 79 votes, but more than 79 (votes).
Corazon AquinoFaith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather, it is a spirit that bears things - with resignations, yes, but above all, with blazing, serene hope.
Corazon Aquino