Opposition senators pay tribute: ‘Let’s be challenged by Ninoy’s heroism’

MANILA, Philippines — Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros recounted her “personal story” of the day former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino was assassinated 37 years ago, as she called on Filipinos to be challenged by his heroism.

“May Ninoy’s heroism challenge us to never accept the oppression and suffering as a given, to always be inspired by the Filipino and work towards building a future that works for all, and lastly, even if it meant fearful uncertainty, to hope. Dreams, after all, are most vivid in the dark,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

“I will never forget the tragedy and the inspiration of Ninoy’s death as we must not forget the many who have died for us,” she added.

Recalling the events of August 21, 1983, Hontiveros said some of the boardmates from Ateneo Sanggu Central had mobilized to meet Ninoy at the Manila International Airport, now Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“I was one of those who had objected to meeting him because I felt that he was a trapo (traditional politician) and had not fought with us the previous years,” she said.

Hontiveros said she had “many opinions” about the late senator but eventually realized that he “ultimately was willing to give up his one and only life” when he returned to the Philippines from a three-year exile despite the risks.

“He had said the Filipino was worth dying for, and he stood true to his words. On that day, Ninoy Aquino was assassinated. The rest, as they say, is history – and it became part of my personal history, too,” she said.

“I will never forget the tragedy and the inspiration of Ninoy’s death as we must not forget the many who have died for us. Deaths like these are built on extraordinary hope and an unwavering love for the Filipino,” she added.

Ninoy’s death and sacrifices, Hontiveros further said, are what inspires her in her daily life as a citizen and a lawmaker.

37 years later

“There was fear that day, 37 years ago. But there was also anger and a passionate desire to do something because things should not remain the same,” she said.

“Today, we are met with similar challenges. In the middle of a global pandemic, we are faced with threats to our democracy and liberties,” she added.

The senator lamented the killings which she said has become part of the country’s “daily language.”

“We wake up with deaths by the thousands. Nakakatakot ang karahasang pumapaligid. Ngunit mas nakakatakot kung magmanhid tayo dito,” she said.

(We wake up with deaths by the thousands. The violence around us is terrifying. But what is scarier is if we become numb despite all of these.

“Naniniwala akong pati si Ninoy noon ay natakot din minsan [I believe Ninoy felt afraid at times, too]. But let us remember that the greatest act of hope is to return, even in uncertainty,” Hontiveros added.

Indomitable spirit

Another opposition lawmaker, Senator Leila de Lima, paid tribute to Auqino and remembered him for his “indomitable spirit and love of country.”

“[He faced] all the risks of returning to the Philippines and putting away his personal interests for the well-being of the Filipino people,” the senator said in a dispatch from Camp Crame where she is currently detained.

The senator further lauded Aquino for staying fearless and standing by his principles despite being detained by a dictator.

“Hindi nanahimik. Piniling bumalik ng bansa upang imulat ang ating mga kababayan sa katotohanan, tuldukan ang kawalang katarungan at ipaglaban ang demokrasya,” De Lima said.

(He never fell silent. He chose to return to the country to raise awareness among Filipinos and to end the injustice and to fight for democracy.)

“Pilit mang burahin ng ilan ang kanyang legasiya, hindi sila magtatagumpay. Patuloy na magmamarka’t mabubuhay sa puso’t diwa ng mga Pilipino, ang dakilang sakripisyo at kabayanihan ni Ninoy Aquino,” she added.

(There may be attempts to erase his legacy, but they will not succeed. His legacy will stay alive in the hearts and minds of the Filipino, the great sacrifices and heroism of Ninoy Aquino.)

EDV