Cory Aquino, Gloria Arroyo, 2 accidental Philippine women Presidents who were thrust into the spotlight and the highest position of power by toppling in 2 sweeping words  ― a dictator and a plunderer or both.

In recent days intense media attention has focused on both because of events that have made comparisons and contrast in order.

While Cory Aquino is fighting for her life because of stage 4 colon cancer in a Makati hospital, Gloria Arroyo is fighting for her political life even if her term is drawing to a close in 2010.

Both women, born into privilege, ushered by tremendous euphoria after each People's Power Revolution, have missed golden opportunities to effect the most optimal change possible that is required to remove the long shelf life of chronic corruption, poverty, waste, overpopulation ― third world growing maladies that have put the Philippines, despite rich natural resources and tremendous people's professionalism, still at the starting gate unable to rev up engines of growth while others have turned every corner many times.

Cory Aquino had unprecedented number of military coup d' etats each time a ready-made military powerhouse putting an end to the real threat. Gloria Arroyo dogged with scandals from plunder to money laundering and corruption at the highest levels but with astute handling of party coalitions due to patronage and bribery, she has managed to stay on top.

Cory Aquino has already made her legacy in history. Mother of freedom and democracy. For a reluctant housewife of a hero and martyr, this is solid. For Gloria Arroyo there's enough time to make a miraculous turnaround and perhaps history will be kind to judge you as mother of miraculous real economic take-off and that is something to go for.

Both these unique and strong women will continue to be a human interest page turner for who they are and what they have done and become.