Ninoy still inspires, will always be relevant – Noy
There was no fanfare on the part of his family, but the death of former senator and democracy icon Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. was remembered by Filipinos in various ways and some did it with fun to celebrate what he had done for the country.
His only son and namesake, ex-president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, who led his family in offering prayers for Ninoy at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City expressed belief that his father’s famous words: “The Filipino is worth dying for,” would always be relevant.
Aquino’s former officials and other relatives, friends
and supporters also joined in commemorating the 33rd death anniversary of Ninoy, who was assassinated on Aug. 21, 1983 upon return from exile from the United States after years of fighting the Marcos dictatorship.
According to the former president, his father remains an inspiration especially during difficult times. He has also been saying when he was president that Filipinos must not take for granted the many freedoms that they were enjoying now.
“Maybe if we go back to all the hardships he had to go through and which he went through… he did not lose faith in God and our fellowmen,” Aquino said, adding his father was vindicated in what he was fighting for when three years after his assassination or in 1986, a peaceful revolution occurred – something that the world did not think was possible to happen.
Aquino said what he had to experience would be small compared to what his father and late mother, Corazon or “Cory,” also an ex-president, and other Filipinos had to deal with. And because of this, “I say if they were able to cope with the trials maybe we could do the same,” Aquino said.
Aquino stressed he has high hopes for the country’s future despite challenges, noting the economic growth in the past six years that could be a good foundation for the current administration to provide a better life for the people.
Aquino said everything would boil down to the people as Filipinos would always try to excel in various fields given the right opportunities.
“The Filipinos’ abilities will shine. So maybe the issue must be how to maximize the opportunity for every Filipino,” Aquino said.
Aquino declined to comment on President Duterte’s actions, saying he promised that he would be quiet for a year to give his successor time to “get used to the job,” which he could attest was never easy based on personal experience.
Understanding what Duterte needs to do, Aquino said it would be best to help the current president without necessarily giving him unsolicited advice.
Aquino said the “stress and pressure” on Duterte would be lessened if he would have at least a year for learning curve.
When asked about his former justice secretary and now Sen. Leila de Lima, Aquino said it would be best to avoid fighting and straying from the real issues.
“…hopefully there will be presentation of proof and evidence. The system, as provided by our laws, is there to make all those who committed wrongdoings responsible and to find out the truth,” Aquino said.
Duterte accused De Lima of having an illicit affair with her married driver and bodyguard, who allegedly collected protection money from convicted drug lords at the New Bilibid Prison.
De Lima denied the allegations, saying she was willing to resign and be shot if the charges against her would be proven true.
Tie a yellow ribbon
On social media, Filipinos made sure Ninoy was not forgotten by posting photos and videos of him and his iconic eyeglasses with accompanying messages.
Twitter user Jozy Acosta posted a photo of Ninoy’s funeral and said: “People who deserve a hero’s burial get one without having to ask #NinoyTRUEhero #rememberingNinoy,” apparently referring to the current debate on whether the late dicta- tor Ferdinand Marcos should be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
Various groups opposed the decision of Duterte to have Marcos buried at the heroes’ cemetery, saying the late dictator was no hero. The Supreme Court will decide on the matter.
As in any democracy, there were also unpleasant messages about Ninoy but a majority highlighted his contributions to the country’s freedom.
The ASEAN or Association of Southeast Asian Nations also remembered Ninoy through a tweet about his death anniversary along with government officials like Vice President Leni Robredo, Sen. Francis Pangilinan and organizations such UST Engineering SC, which tweeted: “May his words remind us that we are a strong nation if we are united with one cause. Happy Ninoy Aquino Day!”
SM City Masinag chose to make it fun and tweeted a poster stating: “On Aug. 21, wear your yellow shirt and get a free upsize on your Blizzard from regular to medium.” It was a promotional stint for Dairy Queen and the Blizzard offered were in different flavors.