Vice President Leni Robredo urged Filipinos to keep the fruits of the sacrifice of the late Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. alive and let these serve as their guide as they face challenges.
Robredo made the statement as the country commemorated the 38th anniversary of Aquino's death on Saturday, August 21.
In her statement, the Vice President lauded the late Senator's decision to leave a life of comfort behind to sacrifice himself for the country's democracy.
She said this sacrifice changed the course of the country's history and it's up to the public to keep the fruits of Aquino's sacrifice alive.
"Ang hamon sa atin ngayon: Siguruhin na mananatiling buhay ang bunga ng sakripisyong ito (The challenge for us is to make sure that the fruits of these sacrifices will stay alive)," Robredo said.
"Mula sa pagharap sa mga hamon ng pandemya, hanggang sa paninindigan para sa ating mga karapatan, sa bawat pagkakataon, nawa'y ipakita nating sulit na sulit ang sakripisyo ni Ninoy para sa Pilipino (From facing the pandemic to standing up for our rights. I hope we show that Ninoy's sacrifice was worth it at all times)," she added.
According to the Vice President, this year's commemoration was sadder due to the passing of Aquino's son, former President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, in June this year.
She noted that the two Aquinos, including the late former President Corazon Aquino, exhibited heroism and love for the country.
"Si Ninoy, nanindigan na (stood firm that) the Filipino is worth dying for; si President Cory, na the Filipino is worth living for; kay PNoy, the Filipino is worth fighting for," Robredo said.
"Namatay, nabuhay, at lumaban silang tatlo dahil sa iisang adhikain: Ang adhikain ng lipunang tumatamasa ng ginhawa ng kaunlaran; isang lipunang patas at makatao, kung saan iginagalang ang karapatan at dignidad ng bawat Pilipino (The three of them died, lived, and fought for a society experiencing progress, and a society that is just and humane where everyone's right and comfort are valued)," she added.
"In Ninoy's death, President Cory's life, and PNoy's fight along the straight and righteous path, they collectively pursued this vision; they showed what we all know to be the truth: That the Filipino is worth dreaming for," she continued.