Corazon Aquino

“National leaders who find themselves wilting under the withering criticisms by members of the media, would do well not to take such criticism personally but to regard the media as their allies in keeping the government clean and honest, its services.”

“Freedom of expression - in particular, freedom of the press - guarantees popular participation in the decisions and actions of government, and popular participation is the essence of our democracy.”

“The nation was awakened by that deafening shot.”

“I've reached a point in life where it's no longer necessary to try to impress. If they like me the way I am, that's good. If they don't, that's too bad.”

“I know my limitations, and I don't like politics. I was only involved because of my husband.”

“When you restore democracy, you cannot say that only those who worked for the restoration of democracy will be allowed to use the privileges of a democracy.”

“You, the foreign media, have been the companion of my people in its long and painful journey to freedom.”

“It is not I who have been consigned to the bedroom of history.”

“We Filipinos have to exercise the necessary pressure on Marcos. But it would certainly help our cause if the Americans would stop supporting Mr. Marcos.”

“It is true you cannot eat freedom and you cannot power machinery with democracy. But then neither can political prisoners turn on the light in the cells of a dictatorship.”

“Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather, it is a spirit that bears things - with resignations, yes, but above all, with blazing, serene hope.”

“The media's power is frail. Without the people's support, it can be shut off with the ease of turning a light switch.”

“I acknowledged that I owed my presidency to People Power. I resolved during my presidency that I would in turn empower the people.”

“I am not embarrassed to tell you that I believe in miracles.”

“I would rather die a meaningful death than to live a meaningless life.”

“I don't have any formula for ousting a dictator or building democracy. All I can suggest is to forget about yourself and just think of your people. It's always the people who make things happen.”

“All the world wondered as they witnessed... a people lift themselves from humiliation to the greatest pride.”

“As I came to power peacefully, so shall I keep it.”

“You have spent many lives and much treasure to bring freedom to many lands that were reluctant to receive it. And here you have a people who won it by themselves and need only the help to preserve it.”

“One must be frank to be relevant.”