Duterte: PH needs more citizens like ‘Ninoy’

The country needs more citizens like the courageous and patriotic late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. to attain a better future, President Duterte said yesterday.

As the nation marked the 35th death anniversary of the democracy icon, the President also urged government leaders to emulate Aquino’s love of country and commitment to public service.

Duterte reminded the nation about the virtues of the late senator in the struggle for the country’s democracy as he joined the commemoration of the Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21.

“In this time of real and lasting change, we need more citizens like him so we can steer our country towards the direction where a brighter and better future awaits us all,” the President said.

“Let us take this opportunity to reflect on his sacrifice as we honor the courage and patriotism that Ninoy demonstrated during his struggle. May his dedication to his cause serve as a guidepost for our current leaders in government as they advance the welfare of our people, especially the oppressed and marginalized,” he added.

Duterte also called on Filipinos to work together to institute reforms “that will put an end to the many social ills that have obstructed our path towards becoming a mature and stable democracy.”

On August 21, 1983, Aquino was gunned down at the airport tarmac shortly after arriving from exile in the United States. His martyrdom triggered the 1986 bloodless EDSA People Power revolution that ousted the Marcos dictatorship.

Clad in yellow, relatives and supporters of the late senator gathered at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City to commemorate his death anniversary.

The weather was fair as a mass was offered at 11 a.m. at the tomb of Ninoy led by Rev. Fr. Manoling Francisco.

Present were former President Benigno S. Aquino III, Senators Franklin Drilon, Kiko Pangilinan and Antonio Trillanes IV. Also there was a former cabinet member and running mate of Noynoy, Mar Roxas.

Fr. Francisco said during his homily how the “victory of love” won over fear, and “won over the instinct to save oneself” despite the differences that divide everyone.

He likened Ninoy’s tale to a story that an evacuee told him at the height of the siege in Marawi City. There, a Muslim family who lived not too far from a police station aided two Christian soldiers who survived an ambush from the terrorists who killed everyone in the station.

Fr. Francisco also said that despite Ninoy’s time in captivity, he did not become bitter and was still willing to serve the country. “The story of Ninoy is the story of the victory of love over bitterness and despair.” he added.

Noynoy thanked everyone who came to commemorate his father’s death anniversary. He recalled how people were obviously disheartened with the loss of his father.