(2 of 2)
I gave a lecture here the other day, and I told them, "Look, you people were so tolerant and so patient under Marcos for 20 years, and here I am only two days and you are expecting miracles. Then last night I talked to the nonviolent group, and again here come their protests, and I said, "This is all the thanks I get? Here I am giving my all and you people are still complaining. Why did I go through this exercise? You can get somebody else." I just wanted to make things clear.
On Marcos' request to remain in the country. At first I was told he wanted to stay two more days, and I thought maybe he wanted to die in his own country. But when I found out that was not it, I said he had to go because the longer he stays in this country, the harder it will be for things to normalize.
On whether Marcos will be permitted to return, alive or dead. It is not in the interest of this country that he be brought back. Maybe at a very much later date, but not now.
On foreign aid. I am very happy that all the ambassadors who have been visiting me have been saying that they will come to my assistance. In fact, the Canadian Ambassador said that his government will give an initial aid of $5 million in food, but they were sending it through nongovernment agencies, which was what I was asking for before. I said, "That was before, but now you can trust the Aquino government. Can't you give half directly to us?" The U.S. and Japan have told me that they will help. West Germany also.
On her changing life. The problem is that we have no space in this temporary headquarters. This morning I had to be so unpolitical and say, "From now on, nobody sees me without an appointment." So, friends or no friends, they have to make an appointment.
On herself. I told Cardinal Sin that I can no longer be humble because people don't take me seriously then, so I have to project my confidence, even more than most men would. My philosophy is to do everything within your capability and then leave the rest to God. I have honestly been living that way since Ninoy's incarceration. No one can say Cory did not give it her all.