President Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday urged the public to be inspired by the late Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.'s courage and patriotism as the country continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

The President and Vice President made the statements as the country commemorated Aquino's death Friday, Aug. 21. In his message for Ninoy Aquino Day, the President recognized the late senator's work.

"Today, we honor the late Sen. Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino Jr., whose life, work, and impact on governance have uplifted the lives of many, especially those oppressed and marginalized," Duterte said.

Duterte urged the public to emulate Aquino's "courage and patriotism" amid the COVID-19 pandemic as he stressed the importance of the occasion.

"As this important occasion is remembered during this time that we are facing a global public health crisis, may we emulate Ninoy's courage and patriotism so we may all be heroes through acts of discipline, goodwill, and social responsibility," he said.

"I call on everyone to cooperate and work with the government so that we may keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safe," he added.

"May we also generously share our resources to those who have less in life during these trying times."

VP’s message

Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday urged the Filipino people to “draw inspiration” from the story of Ninoy Aquino amid the various challenges that the country faces today.

On Ninoy’s 37th death anniversary, Robredo enjoined the public not to forget his death and “what it meant” for the country.

“Today, as we endure yet another dark night, we draw inspiration from Ninoy's story: from his courage, from his steadfast faith in our people, from his heroism,” she said in her message.

Robredo reminded how Ninoy "was murdered before he even set foot on the tarmac, coming home from exile to continue the struggle for our freedoms and dignities.”

She added how he was killed “for speaking truth to power; for believing that we deserve better as a people; and for hoping, and acting on that hope, and being brave enough to lay down his life for that hope.”

August 21, 1983

Aquino was assassinated upon his return to Manila from the United States on Aug. 21, 1983 at the age of 50, after exiting the plane which had brought him home, while he was guarded by two military escorts.

He was the husband of the late President Corazon Aquino who came to power through the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986.

They raised five children, including former President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III and media personality Kris Aquino.

‘We found solidarity’

In her message, Robredo said the Filipino should always “remember what his death meant for the entire nation.”

In Ninoy’s death, Robredo noted how the Filipino realized we are all bound together.

“Namulat tayong magkakarugtong ang diwa natin— na ang sistemang kayang pumaslang sa isa ay sistemang kayang pumaslang sa lahat (We have come to realize that our spirit is intertwined — that the system that can kill one is a system that can kill all),” she added.

Robredo said in Ninoy’s death "we found solidarity; we found the strength to take the first steps towards a freer, fairer, more humane society; we found hope, and the courage to stake our lives on that hope, just as he did."

Robredo reminded everyone to not to lose hope amid challenging times.

“Through long years of imprisonment, separation from his family, suffering, and exile, he clung to the unshakable belief that the dark night would pass and dawn would break over the land he loved,” she said.

“Our strength as a nation emanates from our collective resolve to do what we can to move towards this better horizon,” she ended.