By Oscar P. Lagman, Jr. On Sept. 18, 1986, President Cory Aquino addressed the members of the US Congress during their joint session. Said she: âThree years ago, I said thank you, America, for the haven from oppression⦠you gave Ninoy, myself and our children. Today, I say, join us, America, as we build a new home for democracy, another haven for the oppressed, so it may stand as a shining testament of our two nationâs commitment to freedom.â Never again will a Filipino do the Cory Aquino act of asking America to join us in restoring democracy in our country. The citadel of democracy that America was for 240 years has imploded. The American brand of democracy has become the laughing stock of the free world. China, the object of President Donald Trumpâs insults, has called America, which hailed the protest rallies in Hong Kong, a hypocrite.