Family members and supporters of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Sr. gathered at his monument in Ayala Avenue, Makati City on Sunday morning, Aug. 20, a day before the statesman’s 40th death anniversary.
Supporters laid wreaths at the monument, tied ribbons around the railings, and held up bouquets of flowers; all in varying shades of yellow to remember the color’s symbolic significance in the democratic movement led by Aquino’s wife Cory during the Martial Law period that lasted from 1972 to 1986.
The program, commemorating the life, legacy, and heroism of Aquino, was led by his daughter Viel Aquino Dee and her son Francis “Kiko” Aquino Dee, along with conveners from pro-democratic coalition Tindig Pilipinas namely Ging Deles, Dr. Sylvia Estrada-Claudio, Leah Navarro, and Dr. RJ Naguit.
They were joined by representatives of Akbayan Partylist and other members of Tindig Pilipinas, who advocated for engaging and bridging both old and young generations on history, especially in the fight against historical revisionism.
Other liberal groups that were present at the event include Liberal Party, Magdalo Party, Alyansa ng Samahang Pantao, Every Woman, Manindigan Na, CSOs Guild, Youth Resist and others.
Kiko Dee, who was also a political lecturer, presented a short session, titled "Historyahan," that recalled the milestones and advocacies of his grandfather and the impact and significance of the past democratic movement to present day.
Dee said his Lolo Ninoy was a brilliant man, a "boy wonder of the opposition party," and an accomplished politician, but his true heroism began when he became one with the people and their suffering.
"Kapag tayo ay nagsasama sa pagdurusa, sa laban ng bayan, sobrang laki ng pwede maidulot nito, at iyon po ang lesson ng EDSA (When we unite in our suffering and our fight as a nation, we can have a big impact, and this is the lesson of the EDSA Revolution), " said Dee.
The event featured a question and answer forum, and was also filled with lively music and dancing, with songs such as "Bayan Ko" sung by Leah Navarro.
In a statement, Akbayan Party President Rafaela David said "remembering Ninoy is an act of defiance against fake news and widespread deception."
She urged the public, especially the youth, to continue remembering history in defense of truth and democracy.
"The best way to honor Ninoy is to not only fact check, but challenge lying narratives that distort perspectives, and prey upon the fears of those at the margins…Let us honor Ninoy, his bravery, sacrifice, and martyrdom, and put everyone on notice, including this administration's fake news and alternative history peddlers," said David.
Deles said "hindi tapos ang laban, ito ay magpapatuloy (the fight is not over, it will continue)."
Dee also invited the public to join the Mass that will be held at the Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City on Monday, Aug. 21 on Aquino's 40th death anniversary.
A prolific statesman, Aquino served as mayor of Concepcion, Tarlac, as well as provincial vice governor, and provincial governor.
He was elected as a senator in the 7th Congress from 1967 to 1972. He was a vocal member of the Opposition Party and a staunch critic of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.' Martial Law regime, citing its many human rights abuses and rampant corruption during the president's term.
According to the Martial Law Museum, Aquino was arrested in 1973 and put on "a military tribunal on charges for murder, illegal possession of firearms, and subversion." After a lengthy trial, he was "found guilty of his charges and sentenced to death by firing squad in 1977."
Due to health complications, he was allowed to seek medical treatment and self-exile in the United States in 1980. Upon returning to the country in 1983, he was shot dead as he alighted from his plane at the Manila International Airport, which was renamed as the NINOY Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as a tribute to him.
Aquino’s assassination was a major catalyst that brought about the uprisings leading to the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986, and subsequently ending the more than 10-year military rule under Marcos Sr. 's Martial Law regime.