I am not an icon of democracy. You are all, collectively, the icon of democracy.
I believe that during these times, we should not forget that many sacrificed to regain our democracy.
The media’s power is frail. Without the people’s support, it can be shut off with the ease of turning a light switch.
I 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.
I 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.
It is not I who have been consigned to the bedroom of history...
As I came to power peacefully, so shall I keep it.
Keep inviolate an area of light and peace within you.
Reconciliation 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.
You, the foreign media, have been the companion of my people in its long and painful journey to freedom.
The nation was awakened by that deafening shot.
It’s very simple, I just tell my sad story, and people weep.
I acknowledged that I owed my presidency to People Power. I resolved during my presidency that I would in turn empower the people.
I just do whatever it is that I believe I should do, regardless of the risks to my life.
I know my limitations, and I don’t like politics. I was only involved because of my husband.
The government cannot do everything all at once. It can’t wave a magic wand and meet everyone’s demands simultaneously...
The 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.
The only thing I can really offer the Filipino people is my sincerity.
I 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.
Freedom 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.