Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday, Aug. 21, honored the memory of opposition leader and former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. on the 43rd anniversary of his assassination.
Marcos said Aquino’s death should remind Filipinos of the importance of protecting freedom and democratic institutions.
“The memory of Ninoy Aquino reminds us of the courage of Filipinos to stand by their convictions and contribute to our nation’s democratic journey,” Marcos said in his Ninoy Aquino Day message.
“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,” he added.
Aquino was one of the most prominent political opponents of Marcos’ father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
He was imprisoned following the declaration of martial law in 1972.
Aquino later went into exile in the United States and returned to the Philippines on Aug. 21, 1983.
Aquino was assassinated at the Manila International Airport shortly after his arrival.
His killing fueled public opposition to the Marcos government. The political unrest eventually culminated in the 1986 People Power Revolution.
The uprising ended the elder Marcos’ more than two decades in power.
In his message, the younger Marcos acknowledged continuing threats to Philippine democracy.
“The challenges facing our democracy may have changed over time, but our shared responsibility to reinforce it remains,” Marcos said.
He cited disinformation, division, distrust, and civic indifference among the challenges confronting the country.
“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,” he said.
Marcos also pledged that his administration would protect individual freedoms and uphold the rule of law.
“This administration will remain steadfast in protecting our sovereignty, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that the liberty we cherish is matched by real opportunities for every Filipino,” he said.
