Aquino rallies Pinoys to make a change like Ninoy

Like the late Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., ordinary Filipinos can make a change in society, his son, President Benigno Aquino III, said Wednesday during the commemoration of the slain senator's 30th death anniversary.

"As we celebrate his courage and patriotism, may we be reminded that individual choice can change the course of our history, and that each and every Filipino carries the potential to bring about lasting transformation in society," Aquino said in his message.

Aquino said his father's choice came on August 21, 1983 when he made the decision to return to the Philippines from exile “to fight for the democracy he dreamed of reclaiming for his country.”

"No exile could lull him into comfort amidst the pleas of his kababayans for a peaceful life; no distance could make him neglect the duties he swore to his motherland. Instead, he headed home, alone, heart burning with fervor, to fight for the democracy he dreamed of reclaiming for his country," he said.

Ninoy, on that day, was assassinated at the Manila International Airport before he could deliver his statement.

"This was the choice that led to his martyrdom, and the turning point of our continuing narrative: In grief, the indomitable Filipino spirit was awakened. This spurred the People Power that brought back our people’s liberty and our national dignity," said Aquino, referring to the mass uprising in 1986 that catapulted his mother and Ninoy's widow, the late Corazon Aquino, to the presidency.

This kind of passion, Aquino said, is what should be imbibed by Filipinos.

"Let the heroes in each of us thrive in our everyday words and action, in service of the greater good; exercise the freedom we enjoy today to spark a revolution for positive change and cast our stake in forging our destiny as a nation," Aquino said.

On Tuesday, heavy rain forced Aquino to postpone his scheduled trips, including a visit to an exhibit honoring his late father. He was expected to attend a private Mass for Ninoy later Wednesday.

GMA News TV will be airing a documentary on Ninoy's life on August 24.

The Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office, meanwhile, has spearheaded an online commemoration of Ninoy's death anniversary, featuring an interactive page with a comprehensive timeline, music of the era, infographic maps, essays, and testimonials on Ninoy on the Presidential Museum and Library website.

Netizens may join the commemoration by posting on Twitter (@pcdspo) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/malacanang) with the hashtag #Ninoy or by sending an email to heritage@pcdspo.gov.ph. — KBK, GMA News