Chapter 14, Martyr and Madonna Summary

Jailed throughout most of the 1970's, Ninoy Aquino becomes a popular "victim" of the atrocities taking place under the Marcos regime. His wife, Cory is allowed to visit him only sporadically, and he is threatened by Marcos repeatedly. American leaders, particularly the presidents, turn a blind eye to the abuse, concerned mostly with the status of the military bases. Marcos coolly uses the bases as bargaining chips for yet more foreign aid to try and stop the financial hemorrhaging of his country. Marcos comes to resent Ninoy's hero status and after threatening to have him killed, finally allows him to leave the country over health concerns. Ninoy pledges to return to the Philippines. He is upset by Ronald Reagan's close ties to the Marcos.'

In 1983, Ninoy makes the fateful decision to return to the Philippines in...