Senators honor Ninoy Aquino on his 38th death anniversary

Several senators honored democracy icon former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. on his 38th death anniversary.

In a Saturday statement, Liberal Party President Senator Francis Pangilinan said Aquino’s death should prompt Filipinos to rekindle their love for the country.

“Paghugutan natin ng lakas ang ipinakitang katapangan ni dating Senador Ninoy upang isulong ang kapakanan ng bansa at ituloy ang pakikipaglaban para sa demokrasya, lalo na ngayon sa panahon ng pandemya,” he said.

(Let us draw strength from the bravery that former Senator Ninoy had shown in the fight for the country’s welfare and continue fighting for our democracy, especially amidst this pandemic.)

“Magsilbi rin sana bilang inspirasyon ang kahanga-hangang ipinamalas na sakripisyo ni Ninoy sa bansa kung saan inialay niya ang kanyang buhay para makamit ang demokrasya na ating tinatamasa sa kasalukuyan,” he added.

(Ninoy’s sacrifice should also serve as an inspiration as he gave his life to attain the freedom we are enjoying today.)

Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros also remembered Aquino for being a man who was true to his famous quote that the “Filipino was worth dying for.”

“I will never forget the tragedy and the inspiration of Ninoy’s death as we must not forget the many who have died for us. Deaths like these are built on extraordinary hope and unwavering love for the Filipino,” she said.

“Ito’y mga kamatayang bumuhay sa bansang nagkaisa laban sa diktador. Mga kamatayang bumuhay sa nasyonalismo, ng ating pagmamahal sa bayan at kapwa Pilipino,” she added.

(These deaths made the country unite and stand against a dictator. These are the deaths that revived our nationalism, love for country, and love for our fellow Filipinos.)

On the other hand, Senator Joel Villanueva recalled an excerpt from one of Ninoy’s letters to his son late former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III: “The only advice I can give you – live with honor and follow your conscience.”

 

Today, on Ninoy Aquino day, we remember the words he wrote to his son Noynoy, then a teenager who was thrust to be the man of the house. Sen Ninoy would be proud how PNoy lived up to these words. #NinoyAquinoDay #ProudPinoy #LabanPilipinas???????? pic.twitter.com/PHhS6gMXiu

— Joel Villanueva (@senatorjoelv) August 21, 2021

 

Meanwhile, Senator Manny Pacquiao reminded the public not to forget the “martyred” Aquino’s sacrifices in the fight against government officials’ abuse and corruption.

“Huwag sana nating kalimutan ang sakrpisyo ni Ninoy. Siya ay namatay sa kanyang paninindigan na labanan ang malawakang pang-aabuso at korapsyon sa ating pamahalaan.”

(Let us not forget Ninoy’s sacrifices. He died standing up against abuse and widespread corruption in our government.) — DVM, GMA News