Robredo: Let us show that Ninoy's sacrifice is worth it

Vice President Leni Robredo on Saturday voiced hopes that amid the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges to people's rights, and in every opportunity, the Filipinos will show that Ninoy Aquino's sacrifice is worth it.

"Binibigyang-pugay natin ngayon ang tapang ni Ninoy nang pinili niyang talikuran ang pansariling kaginhawaaan upang ialay ang kanyang buhay sa ngalan ng ating kalayaan. Sakripisyo itong bumago sa takbo ng ating kasaysayan," Robredo said in her message on the day the entire nation commemorates the 38th death anniversary of former senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.

(We hail the courage of Ninoy when he chose to turn his back on his personal happiness to lay down his life in the name of freedom. This sacrifice changed the course of our history.)

She added that this year's commemoration is especially saddening because of the recent death of Aquino's son, former President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.

"Kasama si Pangulong Cory, isang mag-anak silang nagpamalas ng kabayanihan at pagmamahal sa bayan," she said.

(With President Cory, theirs is one family that showed heroism and love for country.)

The challenge for the Filipino people is to make sure that the fruits of Ninoy's sacrifices remain alive.

"Mula sa pagharap sa mga hamon ng pandemya, hanggang sa paninindigan para sa ating mga karapatan, sa bawat pagkakataon, nawa'y ipakita nating sulit na sulit ang sakripisyo ni Ninoy para sa Pilipino," she said.

(From facing the challenge of the pandemic to standing for our rights, in every opportunity, may we show that Ninoy's sacrifice for the Filipino is worth it.)

Ninoy, Cory, and their son Noynoy share one objective for their countrymen, the Vice President said.

"Si Ninoy, nanindigan na the Filipino is worth dying for; si President Cory, na the Filipino is worth living for; kay PNoy, the Filipino is worth fighting for. Namatay, nabuhay, at lumaban silang tatlo dahil sa iisang adhikain: Ang adhikain ng lipunang tumatamasa ng ginhawa ng kaunlaran; isang lipunang patas at makatao, kung saan iginagalang ang karapatan at dignidad ng bawat Pilipino," said Robredo.

(Ninoy stood his ground saying the Filipino is worth dying for; President Cory said the Filipino is worth living for; for PNoy, the Filipino is worth fighting for. They died, lived, and fought for one cause: to see a nation enjoying progress, a society that is fair and humane, where rights and human dignity are respected.)

"In Ninoy's death, President Cory's life, and PNoy's fight along the straight and righteous path, they collectively pursued this vision; they showed what we all know to be the truth: That the Filipino is worth dreaming for," she added. —BAP/KG, GMA News