Remembering ‘Tita’ Cory

AQUINO (WITH MEDINA, RIGHT). She did what was right, regardless of the consequences

For writer Rogelio Constantino Medina, who works at the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, the late President Corazon Aquino was a woman of quiet courage and selflessness.  As a graduating student of DLSU in 1983, Oggie joined protest rallies.

He recalls when Cory inaugurated the new Quezon Institute in 1989 that Fr. Aloysius Schwartz, founder of the Sisters of Mary, said to Jaime Cardinal Sin: “As she walked through the wards, President Aquino was like an angel of mercy—her visit was a great therapy for TB patients!”

PCSO chair Margie Juico recounted, “Cory was generous and kind-hearted. She tried her best to meet as many people as she could.”

During the coup attempt in 1989, Margie narrated what she saw upon her arrival at Arlegui—the First Family was praying! Cory was in control and was prepared to die. She asked Margie to fetch a priest from San Beda, who prayed with them.

Valuable package

Margie recalls, “Cory gave me and the priest two packages. She said she was entrusting us with something very valuable, just in case something would happen to her. Then, she asked me to go home to my family.” The package contained Ninoy’s letters and diaries!

Oggie said, “We shouldn’t forget the legacy and courage of Tita Cory, whose birthday was Jan. 25. She did what was right, regardless of the consequences!”

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