
By: Elena Grace Flores
YouTube Video by Filipino Future
Doy Laurel wrote in his book the confidential message of FEM to Cory Aquino.
Marcos Wealth Offer
The 1992 book of then Vice President Doy Laurel, Neither Trumpets Nor Drums contains this confidential message from the late President Ferdinand Marcos. The story “From the Lips of a Dying President” of the Manila Bulletin confirms this. Laurel’s Honolulu visit in 1989 after the call of former first lady Imelda Marcos in February that year was unforgettable for him. He was in the opposition but Marcos trusts his principle. Ex-President Marcos offers 90% of his wealth to the people. Only 10% he would retain for his family. Did then President Corazon Aquino heed his plea?
Principle vs. Humanity
Tell Aquino to stop her relatives asking for too much from me, said Marcos. Laurel tries to talk to Aquino but the latter refuses. She advices him to talk to the media himself. However, the message was meant for Aquino personally. And she could decide to tell the public about it. Laurel might be against Marcos when it comes to martial law. But the late president knew about his former VP’s humanitarian character.
Aquino’s Response to Laurel
Aquino did not even have 3 minutes for her Vice President. She has an hour for Tom Cruise but not for Laurel. Aquino’s alleged transparency stand did not make Laurel betray his confidentiality promise to Marcos. He seriously believes until his death that if only Aquino listens to Marcos, the country will solve all its financial problems. Since he cannot convince her, he made sure that proper documentation is made before his demise.