President Duterte has urged Filipinos to honor the legacy of the late Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. by showing their capacity to sacrifice personal interests for the common good, especially as the country continues to face the threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Duterte made the statement as the country commemorated Aquino's 38th death anniversary on Saturday, August 21.
In his message, the President hoped that Filipinos will draw inspiration from Aquino's sacrifice and learn from them in order to appreciate the freedom they are enjoying at present.
"As Filipinos, let us honor his legacy by showing our capacity to sacrifice our personal interests for the common good. May this sacrifice inspire all of us to be resilient and undaunted by challenges, especially now that we are still dealing will COVID-19," he said.
"Let us all draw strength from Ninoy's selflessness and let us take the lessons from our storied and colorful past so that we may truly value, learn, and appreciate who we are today as a nation," he added.
The President said this year's commemoration was more timely with the passing of Aquino's son, the late President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino lll, in June this year.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) likewise joined the public in commemorating Ninoy Aquino Day.
"May Senator Aquino’s profound faith in the Filipino people inspire us to remain firm and resilient as we pursue different paths to greatness toward a common goal, a bright future for our country," it said in a tweet.
Today, the DFA joins the nation in commemorating Ninoy Aquino Day. May Senator Aquino’s profound faith in the Filipino people inspire us to remain firm & resilient as we pursue different paths to greatness toward a common goal, a bright future for our country. pic.twitter.com/3858gZm9KP
— DFA Philippines (@DFAPHL) August 21, 2021
The late Senator Aquino was assassinated upon his return to Manila from the United States on August 21, 1983, at the age of 50, after exiting the plane which had brought him home, while he was guarded by two military escorts.
Memories
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. likewise remembered Aquino on the latter's death anniversary.
In a series of tweets, Locsin posted photos of the late Senator with his mother and father in the United States of America. In one of the photos, Locsin recalled how his father told Aquino to not return to the Philippines.
With my dad in New York to say goodbye. My dad said, “Don’t go; Marcos may send a limousine to fetch you plane side for everyone to see and get the idea you made a deal. Our fucking people will vilify you without waiting for you to explain.” Where I got my verbal manners. pic.twitter.com/KKW6lXP6JD
— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) August 21, 2021
"With my dad in New York to say goodbye. My dad said, 'Don’t go; Marcos may send a limousine to fetch you plane side for everyone to see and get the idea you made a deal. Our fucking people will vilify you without waiting for you to explain.' Where I got my verbal manners," he tweeted.
He also recalled where he and Ninoy were during the Plaza Miranda bombing on August 21, 1971, and what they did after the incident 50 years ago.
"Ninoy & I had seats on that stage. He & I were late; he at a party for goddaughter, me on a date. When I got out of Avenue theater people were running around in panic," Locsin shared.
"That night we faced off w/ Enrile in a televised debate. Ninoy had a BAR on his lap daring JPE to arrest him," he added.
Ninoy & I had seats on that stage. He & I were late; he at a party for goddaughter, me on a date. When I got out of Avenue theater people were running around in panic. That night we faced off w/ Enrile in a televised debate. Ninoy had a BAR on his lap daring JPE to arrest him. pic.twitter.com/oaMwV853zH
— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) August 21, 2021