President Rodrigo Duterte urged Filipinos to emulate the courage and patriotism of former Sen. Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino Jr. (inset photo CREDIT: Lynett Villariba). INQUIRER.NET / NOY MORCOSO
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday urged Filipinos to emulate the “courage and patriotism” of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino in this time of pandemic as the nation commemorates his 37th death anniversary.
In his Ninoy Aquino Day message, Duterte honored the late senator “whose life, work, and impact on governance have uplifted the lives of many, especially the oppressed and marginalized.”
“As this important occasion is remembered during this time that we are facing a global public health crisis, may we emulate Ninoy’s courage and patriotism so we may all be heroes through acts of discipline, goodwill, and social responsibility,” Duterte said.
The President called on the public to work with the government in combating the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
“I call on everyone to cooperate and work with the government so that we may keep ourselves, our families and our communities safe. May we also generously share our resources to those who have less in life during these trying times,” Duterte said.
READ: President Duterte's message on Ninoy Aquino Day. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/1cldnXIde7
— Darryl John Esguerra (@drrylesguerra) August 21, 2020
Aquino, father of Duterte’s predecessor former President Benigno C. Aquino III, was the top opposition figure during the regime of then president Ferdinand E. Marcos.
Aquino became a political prisoner but was allowed to seek medical treatment in the United States in 1980 after he suffered a heart attack.
He returned to the country on August 21, 1983, but he was assassinated at the tarmac of the then Manila International Airport.
The country’s premier gateway was later named after him.