Marcos urges Filipinos to set aside differences on Ninoy Aquino Day
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Monday urged Filipinos to set aside political differences as the Philippines commemorated the 40th death anniversary of democracy icon Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr.
“I stand united with all Filipinos worldwide in commemorating Ninoy Aquino Day,” he said in a statement. “By standing for his beliefs and fighting for battles he deemed right, he became an example of relentlessness and resolve for many Filipinos.
Historians have cited Mr. Aquino’s death in 1983 as a turning point in the dictatorial rule of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr., leading to his ouster by a popular street uprising less than three years later. The elder Marcos was the father of Bongbong.
Mr. Aquino was assassinated moments after deplaning from Manila’s international airport after years of exile in the US.
In his message, the younger Mr. Marcos called for unity, his battle cry during the 2022 presidential campaign.
“In our resolute quest for a more united and prosperous Philippines, let us transcend political barriers that hamper us from securing the comprehensive welfare and advancement of our beloved people,” he said.
“Let us imbue ourselves with clarity of mind and unity in purpose so we can proceed towards a future that resonates with our hopes and dreams,” he added.
Mr. Marcos, who took office in June 2022, did not issue a statement on Ninoy Aquino’s death anniversary last year, which is a nonworking holiday under the law.
More than 70,000 people were jailed, about 34,000 were tortured and more than 3,000 people died under martial rule, according to Amnesty International.
“Ninoy Aquino was not just an example of ‘relentlessness and resolve’ when he stood for his beliefs,” Bayan Secretary General Renato Reyes said in a statement, reacting to Mr. Marcos’ commemorative message.
“His death became a symbol of the brutality of the Marcos fascist dictatorship,” he said. “This fundamental point is lost in the statement from Malacañang today.”
He said it’s the “insatiable drive for power, unbridled corruption and subservience to foreign dictates,” not political barriers as mentioned by the President, “that are the real stumbling blocks to development.”
Mr. Reyes said any call for unity must be grounded on an honest assessment of history and on a real sense of justice for those aggrieved.
He added that the dangerous mindset that led to Ninoy’s death remains, with the continuing persecution of state critics who are now labeled “terrorists” for simply speaking out.
“Ninoy Aquino Day should invite us to reflect on the unfinished work of achieving genuine freedom and democracy 40 years after his death.” — KATA
