Kris Aquino with President Rodrigo Duterte (Photo from Instagram/@krisaquino)
MANILA, Philippines — Kris Aquino thanked President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday for noting that her father, former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., was killed “in the hands of Mr. Marcos,” referring to then-President Ferdinand Marcos.
In an Instagram post, Kris said: “Direct quote ‘Cory Aquino maybe popular, she is popular today. Why? For losing the husband in the hands of Mr. Marcos.’
Her post includes photos and videos of Ninoy and his wife, the late President Corazon “Cory” Aquino.
“Thank you for acknowledging our family’s loss, and who was behind it. Salamat, Mr. President,” Kris added.
The mastermind behind the assassination of Ninoy on Aug. 21, 1983, has not been pinpointed. But it has been speculated that Ferdinand Marcos — the late senator’s political archrival — was the brains behind the assassination.
President Duterte also said that during her term as president Cory spared her family’s property, Hacienda Luisita, from being subjected to the government’s land reform program.
READ: Duterte says Cory is popular only for losing her husband
Apparently, Kris did not mind the President’s statement. As she said in her video: “To everyone reacting to defend MOM and her LEGACY, THANK YOU, but my heart knows, she’s not affected by, nor offended about “popularity” – CHILL na po, she’s very HAPPY in HEAVEN with our DAD.”
Also in her post, she praised the President again for his “authenticity,” adding: “[B]ut please allow a daughter to speak through this post?”
“Kasi po sa maraming magandang narinig ko mula mismo sa mga Duterte supporters & members of government patungkol po sa inyo, lahat sila sinasabi, naguumapaw ang pagmamahal ninyo po sa inyong mommy, si Nanay Soling,” Kris said, referring to Soling, or Soledad Roa Duterte, the President’s late mother.
“Pareho po tayo, [I] love my mom with all my heart. This video is for her, and for the only man she ever loved, my dad,” Kris added.
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