President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. joined the nation in commemorating the 43rd Ninoy Aquino Day on Friday, August 21.
“The memory of Benigno Aquino Jr. reminds us of the courage of Filipinos to stand by their convictions and contribute to our nation’s democratic journey,” he said in a statement.
The President added, “Ninoy Aquino Day, therefore, invites us to acknowledge the past and draw from it the resolve needed to safeguard freedom, strengthen our institutions, and deepen our national unity. The challenges facing our democracy may have changed over time, but our shared responsibility to reinforce it remains.”
Marcos also noted that “disinformation, division, distrust, and civic indifference” highlight the need for active engagement in national affairs.
“Ninoy’s legacy encourages us to meet these challenges with vigilance and faith in the Filipino people as we work together to deliver meaningful progress for all,” he said.
He also reminded the public on Ninoy Aquino Day that “freedom carries with it a collective duty” to respect the “dignity and rights of others and to contribute to the good of our nation.”
He added, “The administration will remain steadfast in protecting our sovereignty, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that the liberty we cherish is matched by real opportunities for every Filipino.”
“Together, let us carry forward the lessons of our history as we continue to nurture a more peaceful and prosperous Bagong Pilipinas. May we all have a solemn and purposeful remembrance,” he said.
On this day in 1983, Aquino—a staunch critic of then-President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.—was shot on the tarmac of the Manila International Airport.
His death became a turning point that led to the EDSA People Power Revolution, which ended the Marcos regime.
