Pnoy would never have been president had Cory not died catapulting him to the highest office of the land. Owing his triumph to the Filipinos' gratefulness for everything Cory had done for the country (restoring democracy, leading the opposition against Marcos, and relinquishing power peacefully), Pnoy can very well learn from his mother whom Filipinos loved dearly, next to her husband Ninoy Aquino.
Pnoy's parents were heroes, gigantic in their sacrifice and love for country. Their legacy is a tall order for their children who have to live under constant comparison with their parents.
Ninoy and Cory were transformed by their love for each other and their countrymen. They were ordinary people who did extra-ordinary things. They have become world symbols for non-violent protest and struggle for the restoration of democracy.
The greater challenge however, came after democracy was reestablished. The war against poverty and want has yet to be won and this is where Pnoy wants to leave his mark. Much progress has been made in restoring investor confidence in the Philippines propelling the country's economy to unprecedented growth. But a series of disasters cast a pall of gloom for the county's 4th quarter economic reports.
The country has been thrown into a crisis of unparalleled proportions. War, floods, earthquakes and a super-typhoon threaten to break the flagging Filipino spirit. Just like during the time of Cory when constant coups erased economic gains during her administration, Pnoy faces the probability all his efforts will be flushed down the drain.
In the end, Cory left office with the economy pretty much the same way when she first assumed office. Yet, she also left behind a much unified nation, hopeful and optimistic of the future. Pnoy faces the same difficulties towards the end of his term in office. But unlike Cory, he may leave office vilified, blamed if he is not careful and resolute.
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