MANILA, Philippines ? The line that was most applauded in President Corazon Aquino?s speech before the US Congress on Sept. 18, 1987, more than a year after she assumed the presidency, came from no less than herself, a lawmaker who wrote the speech disclosed Saturday.

?That beautiful line came from her hand. She was very candid. I think it was the most-applauded,? an emotional Makati Representative Teodoro Locsin said in a television interview Saturday morning.

In a separate text message to INQUIRER.net, Locsin said that Aquino was ?now with the immortals.?

The line Locsin had referred to was the last one in which she thanked America for having provided her, Ninoy and their children the ?happiest years of our lives together.?

?Three years ago, I said thank you, America, for the haven from oppression, and the home you gave Ninoy, myself and our children, and for the three happiest years of our lives together. Today, I say, join us, America, as we build a new home for democracy, another haven for the oppressed, so it may stand as a shining testament of our two nation?s commitment to freedom,? Aquino had said and was rewarded with a standing ovation from teary-eyed US legislators.

Locsin said the last paragraph was ?still hanging? until the very last minute. It was Aquino who provided the ?most beautiful line.?

?It was the moment of love she had with Ninoy. . . . There was no politics, nobody telling them to run . . .,? Locsin recalled.

Locsin hailed the former President for restoring democracy in the country when she led the people in fighting the dictatorship of the late Ferdinand Marcos.

?It was good to wake up knowing that the night before, the government did not do anything to you,? Locsin said.