Liberal Party President and Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan praised former President Corazon Aquino during his 11th death anniversary calling the latter as a ‘symbol of hope’.
In a statement, Pangilinan said that the Aquino gave hope to the people during the Marcos administration.
“Over 30 years ago we were facing a grave political and societal crisis, one we overcame only through uniting in People Power. President Cory was the light that shone in that darkness. Hindi natin mapigilang alalahanin ito ngayong kinakaharap natin ang pinakamalalang krisis ng ating henerasyon,” Pangilinan said.
“Sa taongbayang nanindigan kumuha ng lakas sa Cory. Hindi sa militar ni Marcos, hindi sa dami ng mga trapong pulitiko na loyalista ng diktador, hindi sa media na kontrolado at hawak sa leeg ng rehimen. Sa kanyang pananalig sa Diyos at sa taongbayang kumilos at nanindigan siya sumandal at humugot ng tapang at lakas sa panahon ng matinding krisis,” he added.
Pangilinan then narrated what happened during the martial law period, including the shutdown of ABS-CBN and the economic problems, saying that what’s happening before was almost the same with the current situation.
“The economy was badly depleted. Hundreds were klled. Corruption ran rampant. ABS-CBN was shut down. Press freedom was curtailed. It was a crisis of democracy. Those were the concerns President Cory had to face upon assuming Presidency, one she faced with courage and dignity. The only difference is that, at present, we’re facing a pandemic on top of it all,” Pangilinan said.
“Sa kalaban natin ngayon, ang kailangan ay maayos na sistema, malinaw na pagdedesisyon, pakikinig sa mga eksperto. Walang mangyayari sa atin kung patuloy na mamumuno ang mga nagdedesisyon ngayon,” he said.
He then urged the Duterte administration to listen to the frontline medical workers in the country who called for a two-week enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila.
“Pakinggan ang ating mga frontliner dahil sila ang tunay na ‘sundalo’ laban sa pandemyang ito. Kaisa ng ating mga eksperto, nanawagan kami sa ating pamahalaan na dinggin ang kanilang hiling na magpatupad muna ng ECQ. Marapat lamang na ang pamahalaan ang mag-adjust sa katotohanan,” Pangilinan said.