Benigno Aquino Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Malacañang on Saturday called on Filipinos to remember the martyrdom of opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr., and asked that young people—who may not have been born yet when he was assassinated in 1983—to follow the model that he set.
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda issued the statement on the eve of the 28th anniversary of Aquino’s homecoming and assassination at the international airport that now bears his name.
“May the Filipino people never forget him and the many others who fought for the restoration of our democracy,” Lacierda said in a text message.
“(May) future generations continue to hold dear the example Ninoy Aquino set for us through his life, his struggles and his sacrifice,” he added.
Aquino, the father and namesake of President Aquino, returned home from exile in the US on Aug. 21, 1983, despite warnings that he would be killed upon his return.
In an interview over state-run dzRB radio, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the President would be attending the opening of the “Ninoy, My Hero” exhibit at SM Megamall today (Sunday).
Last year’s observance of his father’s death anniversary was Mr. Aquino’s first as Chief Executive. He and his sisters attended Mass at the tombs of Ninoy and his wife, former President Cory Aquino, in Parañaque City.
No similar activity has been announced for Sunday.
A high-ranking Church official on Saturday urged Mr. Aquino to follow the example of his parents and be “heroic” as the country marks the 28th anniversary of Ninoy’s assassination.
RH bill
Batangas Archbishop Ramon Arguelles said the President should stand up against foreign interests supposedly pushing for the passage of the reproductive health (RH) bill.
“I hope he will not be against the spirit that made his parents what they are for our country. They are heroes of our country. I hope he will not sell our country to foreigners,” Arguelles told reporters.
“Be heroic. He should prioritize the interests of Filipinos so that, in the future, history will judge him positively like history looks at his parents,” he added.
Arguelles said he believed the President was “under duress” by foreign powers to pass the RH bill.
“That was imposed on us. He should realize that America and Europe are now going back after realizing their mistake (on the issue of reproductive health) but we’re still moving toward that direction,” he said.
“We should learn from their mistakes. We can make our own mistakes… but the mistakes that others have already done, let’s not make them,” he added.
He said the money used for reproductive health should instead be used for the country’s other more pressing needs.
“The straight path (Aquino claims his administration is taking) is going the wrong way. It may be straight but it’s going to the wrong direction… so he better reconsider,” Arguelles said.