CALD Resolution No. 3 S. 2009

CALD Resolution No. 3 S. 2009

CALD resolution expressing its deep condolences to the Aquino family and the Filipino people for the untimely demise of former Philippine President and Asian Icon of Democracy, Corazon C. Aquino, and calling on all Filipinos and freedom- loving citizens worldwide to keep her legacy alive through the steadfast commitment to justice and human rights, freedom, and democracy

“The forebears of the Liberal Party of the Philippines left us with a legacy of principled politics, uncommon valor and fierce loyalty to our country… Liberal values have been constantly tested by the numerous political storms that have wreaked havoc upon our democratic institutions ….And I trust that the liberal values of fairness, respect for basic rights, freedom and equality will serve as your compass.”

– Corazon C. Aquino From her keynote address during the CALD-ALDE-LI Meeting Manila Philippines, 2006

Saddened by the untimely demise of a leading Asian Icon of Democracy, President Corazon C. Aquino, last August 1, 2009 in Manila;

Noting that President Aquino, Asia’s first female President, was awarded the Liberal International’s Prize for Freedom in 1987 “for her world-renowned advocacy of democracy, peace, and the empowerment of women;”

Remembering with fondness that the biggest international gathering of liberals worldwide ever held in the Philippines was honored by the presence of President Aquino who served as Keynote Speaker during this momentous event;

Citing that during this event in 2006, Mrs. Aquino stated that “My late husband, Ninoy Aquino, was a dyed in the wool liberal. More importantly, he suffered under the Marcos dictatorship and offered his very life for the restoration of democracy. Our only son, Noynoy, follows in his political footsteps…Our involvement and ties with the Liberal Party are a source of pride for our family”;

Aware that Mrs. Aquino’s son, Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, once served as CALD Secretary General;

Noting further that two of President Aquino’s cabinet members served as CALD Chairmen, namely: former Agrarian Reform Secretary and MP, Florencio “Butch” Abad and former Executive Secretary and Senate President, Franklin M. Drilon;

Moved by the outpouring of sympathy and gratitude from Filipinos from all walks of life now grieving the loss of a most beloved leader who has served and continues to serve as the country’s moral compass and who has been hailed as the Mother of the Filipino Nation;

Acknowledging that the People Power Revolution in 1986 where President Aquino was its leading light served to inspire similar movements in Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe;

Believing that the legacy of President Aquino must live on especially in these times when the values that she had valiantly fought for and her husband died for are under threat by creeping forces of tyranny;

Convinced that President Aquino, or more fondly remembered by Filipinos as Tita (Aunty) Cory, is a precious gift to the Filipino nation and an inspiration to the international community of nations especially in places where people continue to yearn for freedom and democracy;

Be it therefore resolved that the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats express its deepest condolences to the Filipino people, in particular the Aquino family, for the untimely demise of Corazon C. Aquino, former President of the Philippines and Asian Icon of Democracy, and call on the Filipino people and freedom-loving citizens worldwide to keep her legacy alive through the steadfast commitment to the principles of justice and human rights, freedom, and democracy.

For the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats:

Dr. Chee Soon Juan

Singapore Democratic Party CALD Chairman

Dr. J.R. Nereus O. Acosta

Liberal Party of the Philippines CALD Secretary General

Hon. Surin Pitsuwan

Democrat Party Thailand CALD Founding Chairman

Dr. Rajiva Wijesinha

Liberal Party of Sri Lanka CALD Chairman 2000

Hon. Sukhumbhand Paribatra

Democrat Party Thailand CALD Chairman 2002-2003

For CALD partners:

Lord John Alderdice

President
Liberal International

August 3, 2009 Manila, Philippines

Hon. Florencio B. Abad

Liberal Party of the Philippines CALD Chairman 1999

Hon. Sam Rainsy, MP

Sam Rainsy Party Cambodia CALD Chairman 2001-2002

Hon. Franklin M. Drilon

Liberal Party of the Philippines CALD Chairman 2006-2007

Hon. Wolfgang Gerhardt, MP

Chairman
Friedrich Naumann Foundation