An Interview with Corazon Aquino

On the eve of Philippine President Corazon Aquino's first official visit to the U.S. and a planned meeting with Ronald Reagan at the White House, Manila was rife with rumors that a military coup might take place during her absence. Despite persistent friction within her government between some civilian Cabinet members and Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile, who last week warned that he might react "like Rambo" if his colleagues continued their criticism, the President seemed unperturbed. Looking fresh and relaxed, Aquino had just finished giving a group of schoolchildren a tour as she greeted TIME Hong Kong Bureau Chief William Stewart at the Malacanang Palace guesthouse that serves as her presidential office. Excerpts from the interview:

On her greatest achievement so far. The return of our freedom, especially freedom of expression and freedom from fear. A close friend pointed out to me that nobody seems afraid of me. This is so unlike the previous regime, when so many people were afraid of former President Marcos. And there is also the restoration of credibility in our government.

On her most difficult challenges. Our biggest problems are the economy and the Communist insurgency. I believe you can't solve the one without working at the other. The Communist leadership here either misread or misjudged the last election. In effect, they worked against me. But the past is the past, and it is better for us to look ahead and work together because of the enormity of our problems.

On lack of focus in her government. I think that was in the beginning. Remember, we had no transition period. In fact, it was a question of trying to prevent the previous officeholders from doing any more damage. In your country you have at least 2 1/2 months to get ready for a turnover, and everybody cooperates. We had none of that. Given all the problems we inherited, I think we should be appreciated for being able to do all that we have done. People forget so easily. They think that getting rid of Marcos was something that came naturally, as if it came down from heaven without our having to lift a finger.

Sometimes I wonder what is wrong with Filipinos. They can never look on the positive side of things. In the past the great majority were of the opinion that the only way to remove Marcos was through violence. But we did something unique. It was the civilian population that defended the army. I sometimes wish the silent majority would speak up.

On her concerns about security. Perhaps it is a combination of my fatalism and my strong faith in God. I believe if there is something that I have to do in this world, he will take care of me. But if my mission is accomplished, then that is it. Working with that in mind makes it much easier. My security people tell me that they really worry about me, especially when I'm out in crowds shaking hands. I have explained to them that I cannot afford to be distant from my people because whatever power I have came from them. And I have to know what I am doing right and what I am doing wrong. If I just sit around here, I will never find out.

On staying in touch with the people. I encourage people to tell me exactly what they think, both bad and good. I usually find out things during coffee breaks, times like that. Also, when I drive out, it is usually in a car with tinted windows. People cannot see in, but I can see out. It really restores my confidence when I see people going out of their way to cheer me, giving me the party sign or just having smiles on their faces. It must be spontaneous because security will not give out in advance which streets I will be using. My daughter has told me, "Ma, when you start seeing angry faces, you know it is time to do something else."

On rumors of a military coup. I have visited many military camps; I have talked with officers, enlisted men and many wives. I am not one to base everything I know on the reports that reach my desk. I think it is time for me to lead the way and show that it is important for both the military and civilian sectors to get together. One of the ways to end the insurgency is for civilians to cooperate with the military. But I emphasize to the military that they have to earn the confidence and respect of civilians.

For 14 years we had a military that did not have a good public image. People like (former Chief of Staff) General Fabian Ver and other misguided elements thought the armed forces were a private reserve for Marcos and his cronies. I have gone out of my way to become closer to the military, trying to forget that in fact I was one of their better-known victims. My husband was incarcerated for seven years and seven months, and it was one of the military that shot him. But I am no longer just the widow of Ninoy. I am the President of the Philippines.

On her evolving foreign policy. Whatever will be for the greater good of the Philippines is what I want. I am a nationalist, and as far as I am concerned, nationalism means doing whatever is in the best interests of the great majority of the people. Since we are unable at present to generate more employment for our people, we need foreign investment and we have to make it attractive for these investors, or they will go elsewhere. I view the U.S. bases in the same way. First of all, I ask myself if I am convinced that they . will be in the greater interest of the Filipino people. Then I take it from there.

On Manila's $26 billion foreign debt. I have said all along that we will honor our debts. But I would like our creditors to look at it from our side. We inherited this debt when most Filipinos had no say on how this money was going to be spent. So when I meet with our creditor banks, I will ask them to give us more liberal terms. We have to be given the chance to grow, and we cannot do so if we have to continue paying 50% of our export earnings in interest payments.

I think that it's in our mutual interest that my views be listened to. We will be able to repay the principal that much sooner if we are permitted to grow. I cannot allow my people to suffer more. For the banks, it is a matter of being able to tell their stockholders that they will get their money back. But in our case it's a question of whether our people will have enough to eat. I will impress upon the banks that this is a different kind of government from that of Marcos, and we expect different treatment.