PHILIPPINES: IMELDA MARCOS TAKES OATH AS MEMBER OF CONGRESS скачать в хорошем качестве

PHILIPPINES: IMELDA MARCOS TAKES OATH AS MEMBER OF CONGRESS

(7 Nov 1995) English/Nat Former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos got a mixed reaction on Monday when she took the oath as a member of congress. She was cheered rapturously by loyalist supporters still faithful to her and the memory of her late husband, the deposed dictator. But several members of congress stayed away to protest Mrs Marcos's return to the corridors of power. When the former First Lady arrived in Congress with her only son, Bongbong Ferdinand Junior, supporters, aides and members of the press surrounded her and ushered her into the main hall. Although Marcos had the rapt attention of her friends, ten members of Congress were boycotting the session. Among them were some close friends of former president Corazon Aquino, whose husband Ninoy was assassinated under the Marcos regime. As Marcos took the podium to take her oath with House Speaker Jose de Venecia, her children Irene, Imee and Bongbong stood beside her. Then came the moment her supporters had been waiting for. SOUNDBITE: (English) "And I impose this obligation upon myself so help me God." SUPER CAPTION: Imelda Marcos, Congresswoman Despite the obvious enthusiasm of her fans, not everyone was happy. Some representatives walked out and others refused to stand during the oathtaking. After the ceremony another member of Congress gave an unusually controversial speech. Teresita Aquino-Oreta, sister of Ninoy Aquino, sarcastically welcomed Marcos to Congress, saying she hoped her presence in the House would mean some shady historical events could be cleared up. SOUNDBITE: (English) "I sincerely feel Mrs. Marcos could now, if she wills it, shed light on many events past and present, enhancing historical facts and perhaps even rectifying historical perceptions. SUPERCAPTION: Teresita Aquino-Oreta, Sister of Ninoy Aquino Marcos and other members of Congress listened quietly at first, until Oreta specifically mentioned her brother's assassination. Her brother Ninoy was shot as arrived home in Manila in 1983 after a three year exile in the United States. Although several members of the military were convicted of murdering him, mystery and speculation has continued to surround the facts of the case. Oreta used Marcos's arrival in Congress to confront her with questions about her brother's death - repeatedly implying that Marcos knows more than the courts. SOUNDBITE: (English) "She and her family have repeatedly claimed that Mr Marcos should be vindicated. Perhaps within the walls of Congress she could clearly start the process. She could tell us the secrets surrounding the assassination of my brother, Ninoy. Perhaps there are many more personalities who were involved but have so far escaped attention. Perhaps she too has been frustrated by the fact that only mostly low-ranking soldiers have thus far borne the brunt of the prosecution. Who are the others, Mrs. Marcos? ...Pray tell us." SUPERCAPTION: Rep. Teresita Aquino-Oreta, sister of Ninoy Aquino Oreta also asked Mrs. Marcos to explain how her family amassed so much wealth during their rule. Her questions drew anger from Marcos supporters in the galleries, but Marcos herself has said she will work for unity. While the very presence of Marcos in the Congress will always be controversial, there can be no doubt as to her popularity in her home province. Allegations of involvement in corruption and human rights abuses have no impact on her fans. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...