As the nation commemorates Ninoy Aquino Day, Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ G. Escudero pays tribute to the enduring heroism of former Senator Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino Jr., whose assassination in 1983 became a defining moment in the Philippines’ struggle for democracy.
Escudero pointed out that while the date of the holiday may have been adjusted due to “holiday economics,” this does not lessen the significance of Aquino’s sacrifice.
“Nagalaw man ang araw dahil sa holiday economics ayon sa batas na ipinasa ng Kongreso, para sa akin hindi nabawasan ‘yung kabayanihan, ‘yung pag-aalay ng buhay ni Ninoy Aquino,” Escudero said.
The Senate President said that Aquino’s legacy is a vital part of the nation’s history and serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for the freedom and democracy Filipinos enjoy today.
“Sa araw na ito, nananatiling sariwa ‘yun sa isipan, hindi lang ng kanyang pamilya’t nagmamahal sa kanya’t naniniwala sa kanya, pero sa bawat Pilipino, dahil bahagi ‘yun ng ating kasaysayan at isa sa mga pinagdaanan natin para marating natin kung nasaan tayo ngayon bilang isang bansa at bilang isang lahi,” he stressed.
Ninoy Aquino Day, traditionally observed on August 21, honors the senator whose death ignited the movement that led to the 1986 People Power Revolution and the restoration of democracy in the Philippines.
This year, the commemoration was moved to August 23 under the “holiday economics” policy to create long weekends, boost tourism, and give Filipinos more family time.