Video by INQUIRER.net’s Ryan Leagogo
MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday morning attended a Mass for his father, Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., at the Manila Memorial Park in Paranaque.
August 21 marks the 31st death anniversary of Ninoy Aquino whose death was pivotal in the people power uprising that led to the downfall of former President Ferdinand Marcos.
The Aquino family and friends attended the mass commemorating the 31st death anniversary of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. KRISTINE SABILLO/INQUIRER.net
Those who attended the event included the President’s siblings: Kris Aquino, Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz, Aurora Corazon “Pinky” Aquino- Abellada, and Victoria Elisa “Viel” Aquino-Dee. Kris Aquino’s children Josh and Bimby were also present.
Officials who joined the Mass were Senate President Franklin Drilon, Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, and Congressman Gina De Venecia.
During the Mass, Fr. Daniel Tansip, Presidential Security Group chaplain, said he wished President Aquino’s service to the country would never end.
The remark came amid debates on whether Aquino’s six-year term should be extended.
The Aquino family and friends attended the mass commemorating the 31st death anniversary of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. KRISTINE SABILLO/INQUIRER.net
READ: Palace chaplain offers prayer for Aquino’s ‘infinite’ term
After the Mass, however, Drilon insisted that the President was not seeking a term extension, although the Liberal Party is set to hold a meeting on the issue.
READ: Drilon calls for LP meeting on Charter change, Aquino 2nd term
Ordinary Filipinos also visited the tombs of Ninoy and his wife, the late Corazon Aquino, to pay their respects. Some took photos of the flower-adorned tombs while others had their pictures taken in front of it.
Two passersby, Elsie and Nancy, said they regularly visit the site since one of their relatives was buried nearby. They said they grateful that Ninoy Aquino sacrificed his life for the Filipino people.
Julius Yves Ramos, a college student, said he has been visiting the tombs of the Aquinos since the President was elected into office in 2010.
Ramos, who is a member of Kabataan Liberal, said he wanted other young people to know about and follow the example of Ninoy Aquino.
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