MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. marked the 43rd death anniversary of former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. on Friday by honoring him as an emblem of Filipino courage.
In a statement, Marcos emphasized that Aquino served as a reminder of the steadfast courage of Filipinos to defend their principles and contribute to the nation’s democratic journey.
“The memory of Ninoy Aquino reminds us of the courage of Filipinos to stand by their convictions and contribute to our nation's democratic journey,” said Marcos.
“Ninoy Aquino Day, therefore, invites us to acknowledge the past and draw from it the resolve needed to safeguard freedom, strengthen our institutions, and deepen national unity,” Marcos added.
Aquino was a known political nemesis of the late president Ferdinand Marcos, the incumbent's father.
He was one of the first opposition leaders to be jailed by Marcos when he declared Martial Law in 1972.
He was freed seven years after to undergo a heart surgery in the US where he resumed his campaign against the Marcoses.
He returned to the Philippines on Aug. 21, 1983 when he was assassinated on the tarmac of the then Manila International Airport.
His widow, Corazon, led a bloodless revolution in 1986 that ended Marcos' 20-year rule and installed her as president.
