President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Ninoy Aquino Day called on Filipinos to approach with sobriety, reflection and a deeper understanding of civic duty, saying the occasion offers lessons in leadership, service and reconciliation.
“The commemoration of Ninoy Aquino Day brings to light a chapter in our nation’s shared story that continues to echo across generations and public memory,” President Marcos said in a message released by Malacañang.
“The passage of time has allowed the country to approach this event with greater clarity and, therefore, with a deeper perspective,” he added.
The president said history should be seen less as a final judgment and more as an “instruction” that sharpens how leaders serve, listen and bear responsibility.
He noted that the Philippines has undergone “a profound transformation” defined by broader public discourse on power, memory and citizenship.
Mr. Marcos, son of the late former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., acknowledged that commemorations such as Ninoy Aquino Day serve as reminders to choose peace over quarrel and uphold dignity despite differences.
“This day, therefore, becomes an invitation to govern with sobriety, conscience, and foresight,” the president said.
“Through this observance, we advance the work of statecraft: disciplined, steady, and shaped by the enduring imperative to choose peace above quarrel, and dignity beyond differences,” he added.
The holiday marks the assassination of former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. on Aug. 21, 1983, a pivotal moment in Philippine history that fueled opposition to the Marcos regime and paved the way for the 1986 People Power Revolution.
The president urged the public to mark the occasion with “solemn and meaningful remembrance.”
At the Senate, Senator Bam Aquino urged Filipinos to carry forward the vision of his uncle, the late Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., as the country grapples with fresh corruption controversies.
“The causes he fought for, such as good governance and a fairer society, remain unfulfilled. Today, we find ourselves in that same situation once again,” he said.
Aquino issued the call after leading a wreath-laying ceremony at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 to mark the 42nd anniversary of his uncle’s assassination.
The lawmaker cited the ongoing Senate Blue Ribbon investigation into questionable billion-peso flood control contracts as proof of systemic abuses in government.
“As you saw in yesterday’s (Tuesday) hearings, there is once again rampant stealing and widespread corruption. It is important that the people take part in this and aspire for a better nation for all of us,” he said.
Senator Francis Pangilinan also marked the occasion by recalling how Ninoy’s assassination in 1983 transformed his own political awakening.
Pangilinan said he was celebrating his 20th birthday with fraternity brothers when news broke of the killing.
“The violent silencing of a remarkable opposition leader changed the course of life for many Filipinos like me,” he said.
Pangilinan said he joined street demonstrations in 1984 as a University of the Philippines student leader and later took part in the 1986 People Power Revolution.
He added that his political career since then has been guided by the lesson that love for a country requires defending its people and institutions.
“That was a long time ago. But here we are still in the political arena, living out one of Ninoy’s many lessons in life: If you love the Philippines, you will fight for it. You will fight for the dignity of the poorest. As they say: A true lover is patriotic and unyielding,” he said.
The lawmaker also paid tribute to the Aquino family, noting the personal sacrifices endured by the late President Corazon Aquino and her children.
Senator Risa Hontiveros joined the commemoration, reflecting on how Ninoy embodied the courage to pursue an “impossible dream” for the nation.
She said his ultimate sacrifice symbolizes the fight to reach higher ideals of justice, freedom and dignity for all Filipinos.
Hontiveros wished the public a meaningful observance of Ninoy Aquino Day, urging Filipinos to continue striving for the values he stood for.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “President Marcos calls for peace, unity on Ninoy Aquino Day”
