
President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday encouraged Filipinos to be inspired by late senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.’s “courage and patriotism” as the nation in commemorated Aquino’s 37th death anniversary.
“Today, we honor the late Sen. Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino Jr., whose life, work, and impact on governance have uplifted the lives of many, especially tho oppressed and marginalized,” Duterte said.
He emphasized the importance of emulating Aquino’s heroic values as the country continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.
“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.
The president once again called on the public to help the government be successful in its fight against the public health crisis.
“I call on everyone to cooperate and work with the government so that we may keep ourselves, our families and our communities safe. May we also generously share our resources to those who have less in life during these trying times,” he said.
August 21 is declared a special non-working holiday to allow the country to commemorate Aquino’s death.
Aquino, an opposition senator and staunch critic of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos’ martial law regime, was shot upon his arrival at the then Manila International Airport on Aug. 21, 1983. His death sparked indignation against Marcos’ dictatorship that fueled the Edsa People Power Revolution in February 1986.
The “peaceful” revolt defeated Marcos’ dictatorship and put Aquino’s widow, Corazon Aquino, to the presidency.