Corazon Aquino's appearance before the U.S. Congress provides an opportunity for the rhetorical critic to study (1) how the form of speech--particularly the romantic form--enabled Aquino to establish the legitimacy of her claims as President of the Philippines; (2) how she used her role as Benigno Aquino's widow to complete the romantic myth; and (3) what long-term implications this mythic form imposes for the Aquino presidency. The romantic mythos of hero meeting and defeating villain after a prolonged struggle occurs on three distinct levels in the Aquino address. First, the physical confrontation between Ferdinand Marcos and Benigno Aquino establishes the myth. Second, democracy wages its war against the evils of oppression as the Filipino people rally to the cause of freedom, and finally, the global confrontation of democracy and communism involves the United States and newly free Philippines in alliance. By inviting the United States to assume the role of the martyred "Ninoy" as husband and protector, Aquino seals the success of her appeal, evident from the positive reactions from Congress. However using the romantic myth may have both good and bad long-term implications. On the negative side, the myth may add to Aquino's posture as an impotent, fragile leader. On the positive side is the potent emotional impact in both the Philippines and the United States, which has empowered a politically disenfranchised people and resulted in extra aid. (Thirty-one notes are included.) (MS)