PNoy offers prayers before martyred father’s tomb

President Benigno Aquino III on Friday offered prayers before the tomb of his father, Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., as the nation commemorates the late lawmaker’s 32nd death anniversary.

 

President Aquino is also scheduled to hear Mass in front of his father’s grave at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque.

 

President Aquino’s three siblings—Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz, Victoria Elisa “Viel” Aquino-Dee and Aurora Corazon “Pinky” Aquino-Abellada—also visited their father’s grave to offer prayers.

 

The Aquino siblings were joined by Cabinet officials such as Interior Sec. Mar Roxas, Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad and Defense Sec. Voltaire Gazmin.

Former Sen. Aquino was gunned down at the tarmac of the Manila International Airport on Aug. 21, 1983. The MIA now bears his name.

 

The late Senator Aquino's assassination triggered a series of protests that led to the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986. The 1986 revolt catapulted his widow, Corazon, to the presidency. 

 

In a statement on Friday, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda urged Filipinos to reflect on the Ninoy’s sacrifice, and on values espoused by the late senator.

 

“His assassination inspired millions to fight against the dictatorship through peaceful means. Today, these sentiments remain strong even among those who were not yet around at the time, as history has seared this image of ultimate sacrifice into our collective memory,” Lacierda said.

 

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., for his part, expressed hopes that Ninoy’s example will continue to “inspire generations of Filipinos to overcome difficulties and challenges in attaining their aspirations for a better future.”

 

“As we celebrate his 32nd death anniversary, it is well to reaffirm the duty of every Filipino citizen to contribute to building a stronger democracy and a more prosperous and inclusive society,” Coloma said.

Earlier in the day, groups led by the Ninoy Aquino Movement and the August Twenty One Movement also paid tribute to Sen. Aquino at the exact spot where he was assassinated 32 years ago. — RSJ, GMA News