Marcos to Filipinos on Ninoy Aquino Day: Safeguard democracy, uphold freedom

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to draw lessons from the country’s history and remain committed to protecting democracy, freedom, and national unity on Ninoy Aquino Day on Friday.

In a message, Marcos said the late senator’s memory serves as a reminder for Filipinos to stand by their convictions and contribute to the country’s democratic journey.

“Ninoy Aquino Day, therefore, invites us to acknowledge the past and draw from it the resolve needed to safeguard freedom, strengthen our institutions, and deepen national unity,” Marcos said.

“The challenges facing our democracy may have changed over time, but our shared responsibility to reinforce it remains,” he added.

For Marcos, these challenges are disinformation, division, distrust, and civic indifference. According to him, Ninoy's legacy encourages Filipinos to address such matters with vigilance and faith in the Filipino people.

“For its part, this administration will remain steadfast in protecting our sovereignty, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that the liberty we cherish is matched by real opportunities for every Filipino,” Marcos said.

“Together, let us carry forward the lessons of our history as we continue to nurture a more peaceful and prosperous Bagong Pilipinas,” he added.

Aquino was a fierce critic of the president’s father, late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

The former senator was assassinated at the Manila International Airport, now named in his honor, on August 21, 1983.

Malacañang has declared August 21, 2026 as a special non-working day. —VAL, GMA News