Standing democracy

Today we celebrate Ninoy Aquino Day. This day commemorates the assassination of former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. His death sparked the People Power Revolution, which caused the downfall of then president Ferdinand Marcos on February 25, 1986.

These events in the mid-1980s allowed us to enjoy the democracy we have now. Unlike other countries, we are lucky to be able to practice the religion we want, be who we want to be, or speak whatever our mind thinks.

However, we are not a perfect democratic nation. There are still aspects in our nation where our democracy is being threatened, whether it is the struggle of power among politicians or the abuse of power of those who are high above the rest of us.

Not only it is threatened, there are also instances where some of us abuse our freedom or rights to the point that it is hurting others.

As citizens of this nation, we not only defend our “freedom” but also defend it from those who seek to abuse it.

When we see people, in power or not, who abuse their rights and cause harm to others, we should rise up against them just like how the Filipinos rose up against the dictatorship of Marcos.

Today, as we recognize what Ninoy Aquino did to spark the revolution, let us also realize that for the next generation to enjoy the freedom we have now, we should also do our part in protecting it.