Senator Bam Aquino on Thursday 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 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.
