PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. yesterday called for reconciliation, peace and unity, emphasizing the importance of civic duty among Filipinos, as the country celebrated Ninoy Aquino Day.
The President said the annual commemoration of the death of the late Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. brings to light a chapter in the nation’s history that continues to echo across generations and public memory.
Marcos said that over time, the country has been able to approach the event with greater clarity and a deeper perspective.
“History invites reflection more than reaction and from that reflection arises a clearer understanding of civic duty. Over the years, the Philippines has undergone a profound transformation, one defined by a broader public discourse about power, memory, and citizenship. These transitions unfolded in moments when individuals chose to meet history with resolve,” he added.
The President said that as someone who grew up in a political tradition, he came to realize that history helps “sharpen how we serve, how we listen, and how we bear the weight of an office with a greater purpose moving forward.”
Marcos said in honoring the celebration, “the Republic signals its readiness to uphold leadership that strives towards wholeness and reconciliation.
“Through this observance, we advance the work of statecraft: disciplined, steady, and shaped by the enduring imperative to choose peace above quarrel, and dignity beyond differences,” he added.
Aquino, an opposition leader and staunch critic of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, the father of the incumbent president, was assassinated at the Manila International Airport on August 21, 1983.
His death sparked massive protests that eventually culminated in the 1986 People Power Revolution that ended the reign of the late Marcos.
HOPE IN DARK TIMES
The Aquinos, meanwhile, reiterated that there is no reconciliation without justice.
“I think we have been consistent that there is no reconciliation without justice. So for as long as there is no recognition of the atrocities that were committed under the Marcos dictatorship… Siguro ano, hope springs eternal pero (but) as long as there is no recognition, I think there is not much to say between the two families,” Francisco Dee, grandson of the late senator, said.
Aquino-Dee said his grandfather had endured seven years and seven months of imprisonment during the elder Marcos’ reign, and even returned to the Philippines despite threats against his life because he truly loved his country.
“I think most importantly, thank you to Lolo Ninoy for showing us that we can have hope in times that are even darker than the ones that we’re living through now,” he said in a message delivered during a holy mass offered by the family to commemorate the 42nd death anniversary of the late senator.
“No matter how dark things get, for as long as we’re Filipino, we can do something about it,” he added.
The mass, officiated by Father Manoling Francisco, was held at Aquino’s mausoleum at the Manila Memorial Park in Sucat, Paranaque.
Sen. Francis Pangilinan said the assassination of Aquino in 1983 opened his eyes to the ills of society, which pushed him to be more active in expressing his sentiments against the government.
Pangilinan recalled that he was at home with his fraternity brothers at the Upsilon Sigma Phi in the University of the Philippines-Diliman, having his early birthday celebration, when they learned of the assassination of the former senator upon returning home.
“Ang marahas na pagpapatahimik sa isang katangi-tanging lider ng oposisyon ang nag-iba ng landas ng maraming Pilipinong tulad ko. Mula sa isang ‘wapakels’ na kabataan, namulat ako sa maraming sakit ng Lipunan. Pagpasok ng 1984, nagma-martsa na ako sa lansangan para sa kalayaan at demokrasya bilang UP student lider at aktibista. Lumahok sa EDSA People Power (The violent manner to silence an outstanding leader of the opposition made a difference to many Filipinos like me. From a carefree youth, I became aware of the many ills of society. Come 1984, I started to join street actions to fight for freedom and democracy as a UP student leader and activist, and later on joined the EDSA People Power),” Pangilinan said.
Pangilinan said he continues the fight to strengthen the democratic institution by way of checks and balances in government, like what he is doing in the Senate.
He said it was 43 years since Aquino was assassinated, but kept in his mind and spirit one of Ninoy’s principles — if you love your country, fight for it. – With Raymond Africa
