Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 21) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for unity anew as he joined the country in commemorating the 40th death anniversary of former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.
In a statement on Monday, Marcos said Aquino became “an example of being relentless and resolute for many Filipinos.
He also said Filipinos must gain inspiration from Aquino’s “indomitable spirit,” as he called on them to unite for the nation’s progress.
“In our purposive quest for a more united and prosperous Philippines, let us transcend political barriers that hamper us from securing the comprehensive welfare and advancement of our beloved people,” he said.
“Let us allow this compelling force to promote collaboration, celebrate diversity, and create a society that is teeming with vitality and inspiration,” Marcos added.
Aquino, a known critic of his father, the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, was assassinated on the tarmac of the then Manila International Airport on Aug. 21, 1983 as he returned from self-exile in the United States.
Meanwhile, former Manila mayor Lito Atienza said he considers Aug. 21, 1983 as the day that democracy was restored in the country.
At a forum on Monday, Atienza said Ninoy’s assassination 40 years ago prompted Filipinos to push back against Martial Law.
Atienza was a candidate for councilor and was on the stage in Plaza Miranda when it was bombed, killing nine people and wounding 95 others.
The elder Marcos used the bombing to justify the suspension of habeas corpus, which was a prelude to his declaration of Martial Law in 1972.
CNN Philipppines’ Xianne Arcangel contributed to this report.
Speaking to CNN Philippines’ The Final Word, Filipino writer and columnist Manuel “Manolo” Quezon III said Marcos’ statement on Ninoy Aquino Day is “pragmatic.”
“It puts his own supporters in a tough spot where they had to applaud it when what they were expecting was probably an abolition of this commemoration,” he said.
Quezon III said Marcos is trying to stay true to himself in two ways – being the son of his father and as a leader of the country.
“Marcos is toeing a fine line of not disrespecting his own father while not categorically starting a new fight with the admirers of Ninoy,” he added.
The former speechwriter of the late president Benigno Aquino III added that Marcos’ statement showed he does not want to bring up old fights, considering he has many fights on many fronts at present.
