Senator Bam Aquino commemorated the 93rd birth anniversary of his uncle, the late Senator Ninoy Aquino, reflecting on the courage and principles that defined Ninoy’s public life.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, November 27, Bam recalled Ninoy’s enduring example of courage, strength, and unwavering conviction.
“Ang buhay niya ay patuloy na nagpapaalala sa atin ng kanyang paninindigan: ang tapang na magsalita ng totoo, ang lakas ng loob na tumindig para sa karapatan ng taumbayan, at ang paniniwalang walang tunay na kapayapaan kung walang katarungan,” the senator wrote.
He added that Ninoy always put the nation first during a time when many Filipinos were searching for direction and trust.
“Sa panahong maraming Pilipino ang naghahanap ng direksyon at tiwala, lalo pang tumitibay ang halaga ng mga prinsipyong iniwan niya — katotohanan, pananagutan, at paglilingkod na inuuna ang bayan bago ang sarili,” he said.
“Ito ang mga ipinaglaban ni Tito Ninoy, at ito rin ang dapat patuloy nating ipaglaban ngayon,” he added.
Ninoy Aquino was among the most prominent opposition figures against the dictatorship of then-President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., father of incumbent President Bongbong Marcos.
He was assassinated on August 21, 1983 at the Manila International Airport—now named after him—upon returning from years of exile in the United States, where he underwent heart surgery. His killing became a catalyst for the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution that toppled Marcos Sr. and ousted his family and allies from Malacañang.