PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. encouraged Filipinos to unite and set aside political differences as the country commemorated Monday, August 21, 2023, the 40th death anniversary of former senator Benigno Aquino Jr.
In a message, Marcos said he stand united with all the Filipinos across the world in commemorating the day of Ninoy Aquino, who became an example of being relentless and resolute for many Filipinos as he stood for his beliefs and fight battles “he deemed right.”
“In our purposive 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.
Marcos noted that the love for the nation serves as a compass that will help the country foster a harmonious environment.
“Let us allow this compelling force to promote collaboration, celebrate diversity, and create a society that is teeming with vitality and inspiration,” he added.
The President urged the public to draw inspiration from the “indomitable spirit” of Aquino amid the country’s strides toward progress.
He urged the Filipinos to allow their steadfast spirit to uplift each and every one and build an inclusive and more progressive Philippines.
On Sunday, August 20, Aquno’s daughter Viel Dee and several of their relatives and supporters went to his monument in Makati City to offer flowers and prayers.
Aquino, a staunch critic of Marcos’ father, late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., was assassinated on August 21, 1983 upon embarkation from an airplane at then Manila International Airport during his return in the country from self-exile in the United States.
This resulted in a chain of events that ended in the ouster of Marcos from his 20-year ruling of the Philippines -- more than half of which were under Martial Law.
In 2004, Republic Act 2956 was signed into law declaring August 21 of each year as the Ninoy Aquino Day. It is a non-working holiday nationwide.
In 2022, Marcos Jr. included the Ninoy Aquino Day in the list of special non-working holidays for 2023. (SunStar Philippinres)