PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, August 21, called on his fellow Filipinos to emulate the late senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., so they would have a "brighter and better future."
Duterte made the remark as the country commemorates the 35th death anniversary of Aquino, who was shot in the head on August 21,1983 before he could touch Philippine soil after a three-year self-imposed exile in the United States.
Noting Aquino's courage and patriotism despite his struggle, Duterte urged the Filipino people to take the occasion to reflect on the late senator's sacrifice.
"More than three decades ago, Benigno S. Aquino Jr. died while fighting to restore peace and democracy in the Philippines," Duterte said in his Ninoy Aquino Day's message.
"His profound love of country has inspired a revolution that altered the course of our nation's history and gave birth to the freedoms we enjoy today," he added.
Duterte encouraged the country's leaders to follow Aquino's dedication to serve the people, especially those who are underprivileged and poverty-stricken.
"In this time of real and lasting change, we need more citizens like him so we can steer our country towards the direction where a brighter and better future awaits us all," he said.
"May his dedication to his cause serve as a guidepost for our current leaders in government as they advance the welfare of our people, especially the oppressed and marginalized," he added.
He said "real and lasting" change can be fulfilled, if more citizens would be like Aquino.
"This can only be achieved if we work together to institute meaningful reforms that will put an end to the many social ills that have obstructed our path towards becoming a mature and stable democracy."