PHILIPPINES NEWS SERVICE — LAWMAKERS expressed their strong commitment to preserve the legacy of the late former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino who championed the restoration of the country’s democracy.
At the same time, Palawan Rep. Abraham Mitra said “the streets of heaven are full of angels who are massing up people power style to welcome their newest member.”
“We are committed to live out her inspiration as the country’s people power icon and continue to fight any move that would curtail democracy,” said Mitra, a stalwart of Nationalist People’s Coalition.
Anak Mindanao Rep. Mujiv Hataman praised Mrs. Aquino for her “remarkable presidency and everlasting legacy.” He added: “She is the shining light in the history of the Philippines.”
In a related development, Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, a stalwart of KBL, said his family is one in joining the country’s mourning the demise of Mrs. Aquino.
“Ang buong pamilyang Marcos ay nakikiisa sa pagluluksa ng sambayanang Pilipino sa pagpanaw ni da-ting Pangulong Corazon Aquino. Batid namin ang sakit at dalamhati na nadarama sa ngayon ng pamilyang Aquino kabilang na ang lahat ng taong nagmamahal sa kanya,” said Marcos.
“Muli, ang aming pakikiramay at pakikiisa sa pa-milyang Aquino. Kabilang ang aming pamilya sa pagdarasal ng sambayanang Pilipino para kay Mrs. Aquino,” Marcos added.
Citizens Battle Against Corruption Rep. Joel Villa-nueva said “no words can explain how I feel. It feels that a light has been switched off, it is a difficult time for the country and it feels like strength has left us. But we owe her a lot, as a nation, the least we can do is find that switch again and turn on the strength, in her honor.”
Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, of the merged Lakas-Kampi- CMD, cited Mrs. Aquino’s high tolerance to differing views of politicians regardless of their political affiliations. “One facet of the character of President Cory Aquino which to my mind stands out is her respect for and capacity to tolerate differing views and opposing partisan positions.”
Speaker Prospero “Boy” Nograles Jr. said “the nation, and perhaps the world, just lost a most cherished leader whose life was an epitome of sacrifice and love.”
“Former President Corazon C. Aquino’s courage, honesty and humility gave hope and life and inspired the Filipino to fight and win back freedom and democracy — a legacy that will forever be engraved in the hearts of a grateful people,” said Nograles, vice chairman of Lakas-Kampi- CMD.
Muntinlupa City Rep. Ruffy Biazon, a Liberal Party stalwart, said “the passing of former President Cory Aquino is a national loss. But her life was a national gift. Her physical life has ended but it will continue to inspire us that there is still hope that goodness will prevail in the Philippines. I consider it a great privilege to have had the chance to know her personally from the time that I was a teenager when my father defended her administration during the coups to recent years that I serve the country as a member of Congress. She is, was, and always will be a great and noble Filipino.”
Nueva Ecija Rep. Edno Joson, independent, said: “Long live Cory and democracy. She fought for country when others dare not, she lived for truth and honesty while others cannot, she loved, laughed and cried with us in moments of triumph and perfidy, and she led the way so that never again shall our nation go astray. We will continue the good fight for all Filipinos. Thank you very much Mrs. President.”
Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez bade farewell to Mrs. Aquino. “I did not have the honor serving in her government but I had the privilege of joining in her causes after her presidency as she continued to fight for her democratic principles and ideals. A giant has passed. It will take many generations before another leader of her towering stature will pass our way again.”