In the days of the dictatorial Marcos kleptocracy, inspired reformist Ninoy Aquino was a beacon of hope for a crushed and suffering nation. His brutal assassination at Manila International Airport sparked the flames of revolt, culminating in the 1986 People Power movement which drove out the Marcoses and restored democracy to the Philippines.

Today, nineteen years later, the Philippines remains mired in poverty and stagnation. Her hard-won democracy has produced only incompetent and/or corrupt presidents unable to keep from repeating the mistakes of the past. Family members have sided with an impeached showbiz politician accused of massive theft, fraud, gambling, and rampant marital unfaithfulness. His sister scandalized the nation with her “victory dance” at the aborted impeachment trial, and his daughter further embarasses the family with her lurid affairs with married high-profile movie actors.

Kris Aquino’s latest gaffe: “Oh, I know I’m having affairs with movie actors and an unfaithful city mayor, but my family still loves me, and my mom will always be my mom, no matter what.” Now, while I don’t doubt ex-President Cory Aquino’s propensity for motherly love, I think it seriously bad form for Kris to be so publicly blasé about it. Mama Cory will not blithely continue to tolerate her daughter’s constant and nonchalant shovelling of manure onto the already-stained Aquino family name, especially not while Kris acts so cocky with the press about her illicit affairs. The Bush daughters have nothing on this girl.

Poor Ninoy must be rolling in his grave.