Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 21) — President Rodrigo Duterte honored Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino on his 36th death anniversary, hoping that the former senator’s life will inspire Filipinos to work with honor and integrity.
Duterte remembered Aquino, who was assassinated at the tarmac of the then Manila International Airport on August 21, 1983, and his sacrifice for the Filipino people, on Ninoy Aquino Day.
Aquino was an archenemy of then strongman Ferdinand Marcos. His death sparked indignation against dictatorship rule that culminated in a people power revolution in February 1986 that toppled Marcos and catapulted Aquino’s widow, Corazon “Cory” Aquino, to the presidency.
“His sacrifice altered the course of our nation’s history and still continues to ignite the spirit of heroism among our people,” Duterte said in a message Wednesday.
“I also hope that Ninoy’s remarkable life as a public servant will move my fellow government workers to serve with honor, integrity and purpose as well as inspire our youth to be of service to their country and fellowmen,” he added.
The President said the country still has a long way to go to eliminate “poverty, corruption and injustice” that could be traced to Aquino’s time. He hoped Aquino’s work will continue to spur people to fight to protect “freedom, democracy and the rule of law.”
“May this auspicious occasion remind us of what we had lost so that we may remain committed to our solemn duty to safeguard the freedoms we now enjoy,” Duterte said.
Duterte succeeded Ninoy’s only son, former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
President Duterte: I hope Ninoy Aquino's life will move gov't workers to serve with integrity and inspire our youth to serve the country pic.twitter.com/RbeDXmQvnP
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) August 21, 2019
