Duterte pays tribute to Ninoy Aquino
President Duterte urged the Filipino people to reflect on the life of former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. as the country observes the late lawmaker’s 34th death anniversary today, Monday, August 21.
Duterte praised Sen. Aquino, the father of former President Benigno “Noynoy” S. Aquino III and husband of former President Corazon C. Aquino, for fighting for what was right and just in his lifetime.
“History is witness to how Ninoy’s work as a journalist and politician drove him to effect positive and meaningful changes in our society,” Duterte said. “Up until the very end of his life, he inspired a peaceful revolution that resulted in the liberties we enjoy today.”
According to Duterte, Ninoy, even at a time when hope was lost, remained steadfast in his struggle to restore democracy through non-violent means. “His deeds have taught us that we should always aspire for the common good – even if one must go against the grain – and do what is necessary,” he said.
Senator Aquino was among those arrested when martial law was declard nationwide in 1972. He was convicted by a military court and sentenced to death but allowed to leave for the United States for medical treatment. He returned in 1983 and was shot to death on August 21 on the tarmac of the Manila International Airport, now the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
“May this year’s commemoration continue to strengthen his legacy of promoting solidarity and patriotism among our people, especially in these troubling times,” President Dutere said. “Through his words of wisdom, let us reflect on his life and realize that, indeed, the Filipino is worth dying for.”
Millions of Filipinos flocked to pay their last respects as they filed by his coffin at the Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City and lined the route of his funeral procession on August 31 along Quezon Avenue, España Boulevard, Quezon Boulevard, Taft Avene, Padre Burgos Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, to his final resting place at the Manila Memorial Park on Sucat Road in Parañaque City. The funeral procession lasted for 12 hours.
Three years late, in February 1986, millions massed on Epifanio delos Santos Ave. (EDSA) to support Fidel V. Ramos and Juan Ponce Enrile in EDSA 1 which ended which the Marcos administration. Corazon Aquino was elected president in the next election.