Reconciliation should be accompanied by justice, otherwise it will not last. While we all hope for peace it shouldn't be peace at any cost but peace based on principle, on justice.

The quote "Reconciliation should be accompanied by justice, otherwise it will not last. While we all hope for peace it shouldn't be peace at any cost but peace based on principle, on justice" by Corazon Aquino reflects her strong belief in the necessity of justice as a foundation for lasting reconciliation and peace. Aquino, the first female President of the Philippines, rose to prominence after the ousting of Ferdinand Marcos, and she understood firsthand the importance of addressing past injustices in order to heal a divided nation. For her, peace could not be genuine if it meant overlooking accountability and truth.

Aquino emphasizes that reconciliation without justice is fleeting and superficial. If wrongdoings are not addressed, if perpetrators are not held accountable, then peace built on such terms is fragile and will eventually unravel. She advocates for a peace that is not simply about ending conflict, but about ensuring that the principles of fairness and justice are upheld. Without this, any apparent peace would be undermined by lingering resentment and inequity.

In the context of the Philippines, Aquino's words are particularly significant, as she faced the challenge of rebuilding the country after the dictatorship of Marcos. The country had experienced widespread corruption, violations of human rights, and economic hardship under the regime. Aquino believed that true peace would require a commitment to justice for victims and a thorough reckoning with the past, rather than settling for a peace that ignored those who suffered.

Ultimately, Aquino’s quote reflects her belief that peace and justice must go hand in hand. Reconciliation, she argues, can only be achieved if it is built on a foundation of accountability, principles, and a commitment to human dignity. In her view, a peace based solely on expediency—without addressing the underlying wrongs—would not bring lasting stability or genuine healing.