The August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM) has issued a sharp rebuke against Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano for comparing his political faction’s current challenges to the anti-dictatorship struggle of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.
The group dismissed the comparison as “at the very least, laughable, at the very most, highly insulting, in general, delusional.”
In a scathing official statement, ATOM criticized Cayetano’s rhetoric and questioned the validity of his claims.
“The delusions of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano know no bounds, as he compared their so-called ‘struggle’ in the Senate to that of the fight of Sen. Ninoy Aquino, against the Marcos Sr. dictatorship.”
The organization, which was established during the 1983 anti-martial law movement by the late Senator Agapito “Butz” Aquino, highlighted what they view as a profound disconnect between Cayetano’s political alliances and the principles upheld by the late opposition leader.
“While we are in a dilemma whether to laugh or rage, ATOM would like to remind him that first, Ninoy fought against fascism, corruption and the lack of accountability, qualities which are evident among their camp’s patrons, and second, that they, along with the Marcoses, represent the very nature of the evil which Ninoy fought against.”
ATOM further attacked the political record of Cayetano’s camp, accusing them of shifting allegiances for political convenience and renewing their calls for his immediate resignation from office.
“It is ironic that this camp—after having endorsed and danced for the Marcoses in 2022—now try to present itself as Ninoy’s heirs. You are not Ninoy’s heirs—you are enemies of the values he represents. You are not revolutionaries—you are ‘delusionaries,’ a new term coined especially for your lot. We remain consistent with our call to Cayetano: Resign Now! As a senator this time. You have become a disgrace not only to the Senate but to the whole country as well.”
Defending his stance, Cayetano took to social media to argue that Aquino’s legacy is defined by active conviction rather than hereditary lineage.
“Ninoy’s legacy does not belong to those who merely claim it — not even to those who bear his likeness and his name. It belongs to those willing to carry on the fight, not just repeat the slogans,” he wrote.
The Senate President maintained that history ultimately honors those who champion the values of past leaders, regardless of their family background or surname.
“History does not remember the men who inherited great names. It remembers those who proved worthy of them. Today that name is Aquino. Tomorrow it could just as well be a Reyes, a Cruz, a Santos — anyone, and everyone, willing to stand for the truth,” he argued.
Cayetano also noted that national icons were inherently human and fallible, yet remained worthy of honor due to their sacrifices.
“Our heroes were not perfect men. Rizal was not. Bonifacio was not. Ninoy was not. They had their fears and their failings, as we all do. What made them worthy of remembrance is that when history asked something of them, they answered — choosing truth over comfort, principle over convenience, country over self.”
He framed his legislative challenges as a broader call to public service, asserting that modern political leaders must prove themselves worthy of the country’s historical heritage through actions rather than words.
“That is the challenge before us now: not to claim the legacy of our heroes, but to deserve it. Because the greatest tribute we can offer them is not to speak in their name. It is to continue their work.”
Concluding his defense, Cayetano drew parallels to biblical figures to describe the complexities of modern governance, appealing for public support amidst a difficult political climate.
“A final word. Just as our heroes were imperfect, so were the heroes of Scripture. Yet GOD gave them their mission — and the strength to carry it out. Nation-building is tedious, difficult, and dangerous. These are not ordinary times. These are not ordinary problems. They demand extraordinary solutions — and extraordinary sacrifice from ordinary people. But the purpose is clear, and the mission remains. The only question left is who will answer: ‘Here am I. Send me’.”