Corazon Aquino's Speech before the U.S. Congress

Flashcards covering the key people, events, and historical details of Corazon Aquino's 1986 speech to the U.S. Congress and the restoration of Philippine democracy.

Corazon "Cory" Cojuangco Aquino

The symbol of the restoration of democracy and the overthrow of the Marcos dictatorship in 1986.

EDSA People Power

The revolution that installed Cory Aquino in the presidency and overthrew a dictator through peaceful means.

Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.

A former Senator and Marcos oppositionist whose martyrdom and death on 21 August 1983 sparked the peaceful revolution.

18 September 1986

The date Corazon Aquino went to the United States and spoke before a joint session of the U.S. Congress.

21 August 1983

The date of Ninoy Aquino's demise, which Corazon Aquino described as her country's resurrection and the third time her family lost him.

First Loss of Ninoy

The period when the dictatorship detained Ninoy in a tiny, nearly airless cell for 43 days without informing his family of his condition.

Second Loss of Ninoy

The event where Ninoy Aquino went on a 40-day hunger strike while being tried for subversion and murder before a military commission.

1984 Election

An election called by the dictatorship which was known to be rigged and fraudulent, but used by the opposition to measure their power.

Commission on Elections

The body described by Cory as corrupt for providing the opposition only a third of the seats in Parliament despite them winning a clear majority of votes.

Limited Revolution

Cory Aquino's characterization of the EDSA revolution as an event that respected the life and freedom of every Filipino.

Bill of Rights

A specific part of the new constitution that the restored democracy under Corazon Aquino gave full and utmost respect to.

Constitutional Commission

A jealously independent body that was completing a draft of the new constitution in late 1986 to be submitted to a popular referendum.