President Marcos on Friday commemorated Ninoy Aquino Day by calling on Filipinos to continue drawing inspiration from the late senator in safeguarding the country’s freedom and charting its progress.
It marked the fifth time for the Marcos administration to observe the nonworking holiday honoring the charismatic opposition leader who was assassinated in 1983 upon returning from exile in the United States during the dictatorship of the President’s father and namesake.
In a post on social media, Marcos said Aquino’s legacy continues to be a reminder of the Filipinos’ courage to uphold their convictions and contribute to the country’s democratic process.
He also underscored the holiday’s importance in reaffirming the citizenry’s duty to live with honor and dignity
Democracy’s challenges
‘Ninoy Aquino Day, therefore, invites us to acknowledge the past and draw from it the resolve needed to safeguard freedom, strengthen our institutions, and deepen national unity,’ Marcos said.
The killing of former Sen. Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino Jr. under military escort and upon landing at the Manila airport sparked public outrage that galvanized the anti-Marcos movement.
In the three years that followed, the sustained unrest thrust Aquino’s widow, Cory, into the front of the political opposition, culminating in the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution that drove the elder Marcos and his family out of Malacañang after a 20-year rule.
Ninoy Aquino Day was instituted in 1987.
In his message, Marcos spoke of the evolving challenges faced by democracy.
Among them, he said, are disinformation, distrust, and civic indifference.
‘Ninoy’s legacy encourages us to meet these challenges with vigilance and faith in the Filipino people as we work together to deliver meaningful progress for all,’ Marcos added.
The President said his administration will continue to protect the country’s sovereignty and ensure that Filipinos are provided with equal opportunities.
Together, let us carry forward the lessons of our history as we continue to nurture a more peaceful and prosperous Bagong Pilipinas,’ he said.