Noynoy leads 35th death anniversary rites for his father Ninoy Aquino

Former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III on Monday led the 35th death anniversary commemoration of his father and namesake, Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr.

Opposition Senators Antonio Trillanes IV and Franklin Drilon were seen standing side-by-side the younger Aquino during a Mass held at the Manila Memorial Park in Sucat, Parañaque City, where Ninoy’s remains lie. Ex-Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and Aquino sisters Ballsy, Viel, and Pinky were also present.

During the homily, the priest cited Ninoy’s life as “a beautiful glimpse of the victory of love, the victory of God’s love, the victory of God’s grace over all the forces that attempt to thwart and derail God’s plans.”

Ninoy, a former senator, was among those arrested and jailed when martial law was declared by the late strongman ex-President Ferdinand Marcos.

Ninoy spent seven years in jail and suffered a heart attack before he was allowed to leave for the United States for medical treatment.

However, he was assassinated at the then Manila International Airport (now Ninoy Aquino International Airport) when he returned to the Philippines on Aug. 21, 1983.

In a speech after the homily, Noynoy stressed the importance of every Filipinos’ contributions in addressing the issues hounding the country today.

“‘Nung nawala ho ang tatay natin marami hong tumayo at parang pinuno ‘yung mga papel na ginagampanan niya… Dito na may mga panibago na naman tayong hamon sa lipunan… ilagay lang po natin sa isip natin na hindi bahala si Pedro, si Juan o kung sino man sa pagliligtas sa atin…” Noynoy said, as he also thanked those who supported and continued to support their family.

“Ang may responsibilidad sa kinabukasan natin ay ang bawat isa sa atin, gawin natin ‘yung kaya nating parte,” he added.

After his speech, the yellow-wearing crowd sang “Bayan Ko” as some of them gestured the Liberal Party’s signature “L” hand sign.

“Bayan Ko” was a popular and historic anthem at protests during the First Quarter Storm under Marcos’ dictatorship. This song was also played during the wake of Ninoy.   /vvp