Ninoy Aquino: ‘Shining example’ ED SANTIAGO
MANILA, Philippines—Showing the Filipino was “worth dying for” more than three decades ago, the late Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. remains a “shining example” of heroism that could inspire and guide a new generation of Filipinos.
“Even in the face of violent persecution, he was a staunch advocate of truth, reason and justice,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said on Wednesday in a statement.
“We urge the Filipino youth to draw inspiration from the heroism of Ninoy Aquino and let his shining example animate them to carve a better future for our country,” Coloma said.
Malacañang invited the public to look back at Aquino’s arrival statement, which he failed to deliver because he was shot dead at the old Manila International Airport 31 years ago today (Thursday).
Nonviolent resistance
The undelivered statement reflected Aquino’s unwavering desire to “join the ranks of those struggling to restore our rights and freedoms through nonviolence,” despite serious threats to his life.
“I seek no confrontation. I only pray and will strive for a genuine national reconciliation founded on justice,” he was supposed to tell Filipinos then.
“I return from exile and to an uncertain future with only determination and faith to offer—faith in our people and faith in God,” Aquino wanted to say.
Aquino’s assassination triggered public outrage, which eventually led to the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution that led to the ouster of dictator Ferdinand Marcos and swept Aquino’s widow, Corazon, to power.
Twenty-four years later, the couple’s only son, Benigno Aquino III, would be elected President of the Philippines.
“Let us pledge to transmit his thoughts and the reasons he took his fateful stand to the generations who were not yet around in 1983, but who continue to enjoy the freedom of choice, thought, and expression that he fought and died for, and which characterizes our country today,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a separate statement.