On the eve of Philippine President Corazon Aquino's first official visit to the U.S. and a planned meeting with Ronald Reagan at the White House, Manila was rife with rumors that a military coup might take place during her absence. Despite persistent friction within her government between some civilian Cabinet members and Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile, who last week warned that he might react "like Rambo" if his colleagues continued their criticism, the President seemed unperturbed. Looking fresh and relaxed, Aquino had just finished giving a group of schoolchildren a tour as she greeted TIME Hong Kong Bureau Chief William Stewart at the Malacanang Palace guesthouse that serves as her presidential office. Excerpts from the interview:
On her greatest achievement so far. The return of our freedom, especially freedom of expression and freedom from fear. A close friend pointed out to me that nobody seems afraid of me. This is so unlike the previous regime, when so many people were afraid of former President Marcos. And there is also the restoration of credibility in our government.
On her most difficult challenges. Our biggest problems are the economy and the Communist insurgency. I believe you can't solve the one without working at the other. The Communist leadership here either misread or misjudged the last election. In effect, they worked against me. But the past is the past, and it is better for us to look ahead and work together because of the enormity of our problems.
On lack of focus in her government. I think that was in the beginning. Remember, we had no transition period. In fact, it was a question of trying to prevent the previous officeholders from doing any more damage. In your country you have at least 2 1/2 months to get ready for a turnover, and everybody cooperates. We had none of that. Given all the problems we inherited, I think we should be appreciated for being able to do all that we have done. People forget so easily. They think that getting rid of Marcos was something that came naturally, as if it came down from heaven without our having to lift a finger.
Sometimes I wonder what is wrong with Filipinos. They can never look on the positive side of things. In the past the great majority were of the opinion that the only way to remove Marcos was through violence. But we did something unique. It was the civilian population that defended the army. I sometimes wish the silent majority would speak up.
On her concerns about security. Perhaps it is a combination of my fatalism and my strong faith in God. I believe if there is something that I have to do in this world, he will take care of me. But if my mission is accomplished, then that is it. Working with that in mind makes it much easier. My security people tell me that they really worry about me, especially when I'm out in crowds shaking hands. I have explained to them that I cannot afford to be distant from my people because whatever power I have came from them. And I have to know what I am doing right and what I am doing wrong. If I just sit around here, I will never find out.