(4 of 4)
Despite her travails and the nostalgia among many Filipinos for a stronger, Marcos-like leader, Aquino remains the only symbol that unifies the country. "The people are frustrated, betrayed," says Political Scientist Randy David. "Even so, they make excuses for a presidency they adore." But while they can live with Aquino, her constituents on the left, right and center cannot live with one another. At the same time, the President's numerous enemies wait for their chance to strike. U.S. State Department officials believe that Marcos, in exile in Hawaii, is plotting to assassinate Aquino. They suggest that he is trying to enlist the aid of Honasan in the scheme. But Honasan is unlikely to help. Dissatisfaction with the dictator led him to play an important role in the uprising that brought Aquino to power.
& In Naga city, Milagros San Buenaventura senses that time is running out. She and thousands of other Naga residents were shocked when a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary fell into a local river during a recent procession. A bad omen, the fruit vendor believes, and perhaps a warning. "She can punish all of us," says the fruit vendor of the Virgin. "But, please, she should spare our beloved President." In Manila, Cory Aquino is no doubt saying a similar prayer for her country.