MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte called on Filipinos to remember the “courage” and “patriotism” of democracy icon Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.
The Philippines commemorated on Tuesday the 35th death anniversary of the former senator.
Duterte said the country needs the likes of Ninoy “so we can steer our country toward the direction where a brighter and better future awaits us all.”
“His (Ninoy) profound love of country has inspired a revolution that altered the course of our nation’s history and gave birth to the freedoms we enjoy today,” said the President.
“May his dedication to his cause serve as a guidepost for our current leaders in government as they advance the welfare of our people, especially the oppressed and marginalized,” he added.
Moreover Duterte encouraged Filipinos to come together “to institute meaningful reforms that will put an end to the many social ills that have obstructed our path toward becoming a mature and stable democracy.”
Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV reminisced his uncle’s sacrifices during the dictatorship under Ferdinand Marcos.
“Ninoy went from being 1971’s Man of the Year and a promising presidentiable to being martial law’s Prisoner No. 1 and largely being forgotten by a once-supportive public,” said Aquino.
The lawmaker lamented that Ninoy was “sentenced to death on fake charges” and “exiled from the land he loved.”
But the senator urged Filipinos to never lose hope and continue the fight for democracy that Ninoy started.
“Yes, we are still worth dying for, we are worth the trouble and the struggle. No matter how difficult or dangerous times may get, let’s take the lead from Ninoy’s life,” Aquino said.
Meanwhile Sen. Leila de Lima wanted everyone to be reminded of Ninoy’s courage now that Duterte has been labeled a threat to democracy.
“Ang pagpaslang po kay Ninoy ay nag-iwan ng hamon sa mga Pilipino noon na ipaglaban ang demokrasya, na siyang tinugunan ng makasaysayang People Power sa EDSA. Muli tayong hinahamon sa madilim na namang kabanata ng ating kasaysayan,” said the fierce Duterte critic who has been charged with drug law violations and detained.
“Bilang mga tagapagmana ng demokrasyang ipinaglaban ni Ninoy at ng milyun-milyong Pilipino, ituloy natin ang pagtindig, ang pagkakapit-bisig at pagsasama-sama ng ating tinig para sa ipaglaban ang katotohanan at katarungan sa ating Inang Bayan,” she added./PN
