‘Edsa I was all about courage’

Source: Daily Inquirer
By Niña Calleja
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:26:00 02/24/2010

Filed Under: Cory Aquino, People power

MANILA, Philippines--Makati Mayor and United Opposition (UNO) vice presidential candidate Jejomar Binay Wednesday recalled scenes from the first People Power Revolution on Edsa in February 1986, among the most vivid of which were images of Filipinos willing to “make the supreme sacrifice” and die for the country.

“For me, Edsa I was all about courage. It came to a point where Filipinos were willing to make the supreme sacrifice. Iaalay ang buhay kung kailangan (offering one’s life if necessary),” Binay said.

Binay, who was among the front liners at Edsa I, also recalled the brief speech delivered by former President Corazon Aquino from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) building in the afternoon of Feb. 24, where she called on Filipinos “to be firm and compassionate.”

Remembering the incident, at the Edsa I 24th anniversary Wednesday, he said the former president, ignoring the warning of her senior advisers, decided to appear before the crowd at the entrance of the POEA building at the corner of Edsa and Ortigas Avenue.

The Makati mayor, who was then part of Aquino’s close-in security, said he was asked by Aquino’s brother, Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. to look for a secure location.

He said he chose the POEA building because the structure provided ample cover against snipers.

Recounting Aquino’s speech, Binay said Aquino told the crowd: “We have recovered our freedoms, our rights, and our dignity with much courage and, we thank God, with little blood. I enjoin the people to keep the spirit of peace as we remove the last vestiges of tyranny, to be firm and compassionate.

“I have always said I can be magnanimous in victory, no more hate, no more fighting. I appeal to all Filipinos of both sides of the struggle. This is now the time for peace, the time for healing.”

Said Binay: “It was a shining moment when rich and poor alike stood shoulder to shoulder, ready to defy a dictatorship and offer their lives. It was truly a shining moment for our people,” he added.

“It was the first time I saw Cory as a leader. And I immediately saw her strength and courage that comes from her moral conviction,” the mayor said.