FINDING ANSWERS

Last week’s observance of the 41st anniversary of the martyrdom of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino got me reflecting on the significance of what transpired on Aug. 21, 1983.

Ninoy’s assassination that day was a turning point in Philippine history. It sparked widespread outrage across the country, as Filipinos from all walks of life got united and galvanized in the demand for justice and an end to oppression.

Instead of silencing dissent, Ninoy’s death became the catalyst that led to unrelenting protest actions demanding the restoration of the many freedoms stifled during martial law that was declared more than a decade earlier.

The famous slogan “Hindi ka nag-iisa” (You are not alone) became a rallying cry of a revitalized opposition movement whose efforts greatly helped bring forth a perfect storm that led to the 1986 People Power culminating in the restoration of freedom and democracy.

The period from the day Ninoy was killed to the day of the peaceful uprising at EDSA showed the power of collective action strengthened with the values of courage, patriotism, and self-sacrifice. It showed that real change is possible when people make a stand.

There’s no doubt Ninoy’s death was a turning point in the history of the country. But I also see it as a turning point in my life as a young activist then with a natural inclination to be anti-establishment.

Campus activists worth their salt are usually wary of political leaders, whether in the opposition or administration, who are all viewed as part of the establishment in need of transformation. Such transformation is the goal of activism bent on causing political, economic, environmental, or social change.
Although Ninoy was the most prominent opposition leader of his time, many activists like me still saw him as belonging to the establishment. But with his martyrdom and his willingness to face death in his desire to effect change towards a better Philippines, it dawned on me that Ninoy was indeed the real thing – his heroism was beyond doubt.

Let me share a message I sent last week to Ballsy Aquino Cruz, eldest daughter of Ninoy and Tita Cory, as I thought about our modern-day hero: I remember your Dad, Ninoy, who rekindled through his heroic death my spirit of patriotism in the midst of my starting a family and practice of my profession at age 31. It was a turning point in my young life. Ninoy’s death inspired me to resume serving our country and people. The rest is history.

Indeed, Ninoy’s life and martyrdom inspired me and fortified my determination to serve in whatever capacity I was fortunate to have been bestowed with—as Metro Manila governor and head of the Metro Manila Commission right after the 1986 EDSA Revolt, as the youngest senator under the 1987 Constitution, as Laguna governor, and as DILG secretary.

In all my endeavors, I always aspired to do my best, driven by a memorable quote of Ninoy: “I will never be able to forgive myself if I will have to live with the knowledge that I could have done something and I did not do anything.”

I started being a student activist at age 17. When Ninoy died, I had just gotten married, was starting a family with my wife Lory Atienza, and also building a career as a lawyer. Prior to that I was juggling my time as managing editor of The Philippine Collegian, chairman of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines, and member of the Philippine team to the Philip Jessup Moot Competition. while working at the same time to support myself at UP College of Law.

But with Ninoy’s martyrdom, I realized I had to embrace a cause bigger than myself. The seed was planted. The patriotic spirit within me was ignited anew. I had to devote more time and effort to the so-called parliament of the streets.

Being among the most active street parliamentarians, we had an alliance with Ninoy’s brother, Butz Aquino, who had become the most prominent face of the opposition in 1983. I was also among those who run for an assemblyman post at the Batasang Pambansa in 1984, together with the likes of Mel Lopez who later become Manila mayor, and several others.

Inspired by the legacy of Ninoy that had become a guiding light in the fight for freedom and justice, we knew we had to serve a cause greater than ourselves. We had to utilize, just like Ninoy, the power of courage and conviction in the unyielding pursuit of a better Philippines. ([email protected])