TACLOBAN CITY – This city is known as a Romualdez-Marcos country. This however did not stop supporters of the late former president Corazon “Cory” Aquino to struggle against the dictatorship of then strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

Engineer Billy Roseño said he was among those who led rallies in Tacloban against Marcos in the ‘80s.

After Cory’s husband, former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., was assassinated, Roseño was among those who led prayer rallies for Cory in Tacloban in 1983.

Along with other members of the Cory Aquino for President Movement, a signature campaign to push Cory presidential campaign was launched in 1986 in Tacloban. “We were not expecting that we can get many signatories because you know, this is considered as Imelda country,” Roseño said as he reminisced the past.

For him, Cory’s legacy should always be remembered. “ I think the people should be thankful for Tita Cory for giving us or restoring democracy in our country. It’s the best legacy she gave not just to our country but to the whole world,” Roseño added.

After the death of the first woman president of the country, Roseño said Cory should now be an example to the Filipino people. “We should care about what’s happening to our country. We should assert our rights. We should be informed of the issues at hand,” he said.

Joining the world in mourning for the death of Aquino, groups Movement for Action and Reform and the Friends of Cory which are based in Tacloban are set to sponsor a mass on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Sto. Niño Church.

EV solons, officials

Meanwhile lawmakers and local officials in Eastern Visayas were one in expressing their condolences as well as citing the country’s loss in the passing away of the former president.

“I’m sad, not only for myself but the nation. We’ve lost a democratic icon,” said Biliran Rep. Glen Chong after hearing the news about the former president’s death.

Other lawmakers in Eastern Visayas also expressed the sentiment but also said they hope that the fervor and passion for the country as well as for democracy that Cory exemplified would still live in the hearts of Filipinos.

“I hope that people would be inspired and have the same stand for democracy,” said Rep. Sharee Ann Tan-Delos Santos of the second district of Samar.

“I know President Cory is happy now,” said Calbayog Mayor Mel Sarmiento who also chairs the Regional Development Council (RDC).

Samar 1sst district Rep. Reynaldo Uy meantime expressed his gratefulness to the Aquino who he said had appointed him as Vice-Mayor of Calbayog which had made him a politician aside from being a doctor.

“If it was not for her, I wouldn’t be in politics right now,” he said.

Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez meanwhile asked the people to pray for the loved ones of Cory.

“I see it’s God will. For now, let’s pray for the loved ones she left behind because they need all the support now,” he said. By Sharon Evite and Melanie Bingco, ABS-CBN Tacloban