Former president Corazon Aquino told Filipinos Friday it was OK to blame many of the country's problems on her administration but said her defense of democracy had given the country a chance at recovery.

Speaking at a rally commemorating the 10th death anniversary of her husband, Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., the widow said, "It's OK for people to blame me for the power crisis and for the country's population problems."At least we're still together . . . at least there is freedom," Aquino, displaying some of her old charisma, told the wildly cheering crowd.

Aquino came to power at the heels of a popular revolt that ousted former strongman Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.

But with precious little knowhow in running a government, her administration was quickly mired in political and economic quagmire.

Critics have blamed her administration for mishandling a problematic power situation, saying she didn't build a single power plant to address the situation during her term.

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The power problem has since become a full-blown crisis that has haunted the tenure of President Fidel Ramos and hobbled the Philippines' economic growth.

Crime and corruption in government also increased during her leadership.

Her biggest achievement was the restoration and defense of democracy. She put down seven coup attempts by right-wing military rebels and brushed aside suggestions to return to strong-arm rule.

Aquino became the rallying point of the fractious opposition movement in their fight against the Marcos dictatorship after her husband was assassinated on Aug. 21, 1983.

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