Cory Aquino's historic speech before the U.S. Congress

The Philippines was once a beacon of hope. Today, we desperately search for that lost hope. Just as Ninoy Aquino's death in 1983 unleashed a fiery passion for freedom and democracy, Cory Aquinos's passing away 26 years later today, has reawakened a nation that, just like before, has had enough.

Indeed, her death can serve as a catalyst for genuine change and political maturity in our country. That is if Filipinos ensure that truth and justice will prevail. We must demand from our leaders the utmost sincerity and unimpeachable integrity before they be allowed to shepherd our nation.

Sometimes, I think that Cory's death could not have come at a more opportune time, as our government began an onslaught of photographs and press releases trumpeting the "success" a U.S. trip that had nothing but superficial gains. It was at best, a photo opportunity for shallow bragging rights, done at the expense of Philippine taxpayers. If there was any trip by a Philippine president to the U.S. that had made the biggest impact, it was Cory's. Watching President Aquino's historic speech before the U.S. Congress on September 18, 1986 says it all. No need for government spin doctors here.