"I Am Learning to Say No"

President Corazon Aquino receives visitors in the second-floor bedroom of a guesthouse at Malacaang Palace. Last week, when the new leader welcomed TIME's Hong Kong bureau chief Sandra Burton, a close observer of Aquino's career since their first meeting more than two years ago, the President was in her office with her daughter and personal secretary nearby. Discussing her first twelve weeks in power, Aquino was as animated and forthright as ever. Excerpts from their talk:

On relations with the U.S. I am a little disappointed, to tell you the truth. My feeling is that I am still being watched and examined. What is America waiting for? Do they believe my government is not a popular government? I don't think so. Do they believe I am anti-American? I should hope not. Certainly I have not said anything that would indicate that.

I wish that somebody would explain to the American people what Filipinos are all about. Since 1983 great change has come about in this country. If I were not convinced myself of how many sincere Filipinos there are, I would have given up long ago. But I really believe that we have enough dedicated people to see this through. I have already explained what our needs are. I don't like to nag. It's just a question of are we friends or aren't we?

On the influence of the left. I do not think the left thinks of me as being one of them. I consult with a whole spectrum of people. Nobody really has a complete hold on me. I listen to a great many people, and once I have made up my mind, there is really no way anyone can sway me.

On her decision-making style. I am not knowledgeable about all things. I listen to both sides. And I think to myself, "O.K. What are the needs of the country?" It helps me that I have these different views. If I had only one view available, then I would really be worried.

On being an unknown quantity. It's true. I don't have any record of past decisions except being a candidate. But I don't think I am an enigma. I am not a traditional politician. So whatever I say is what I mean; it is not something else. I think I should follow my gut feelings. However, I still have to learn not to be too frank, not to give the truthful answer right away. I have these men around me who are just so overprotective. They say, "Should we let her speak?" I say, "Why not?"

On how she has changed. I am learning to say no. I was just running myself ragged, and I wasn't myself anymore. I was just like a machine. When my first month in office was over, I got hold of myself and I thought, "This is not how it should be." I was having such headaches. I was thinking, "I won't last long if I keep on this way." I'm no longer so accommodating. I figure, "I'm already President. I just don't have time."