President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. yesterday urged Filipinos to cast aside politics and personal biases and unite behind the country’s welfare as the public observed Ninoy Aquino Day.
“I wish everyone a meaningful remembrance,” Mr. Marcos said of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., whom he described as “relentless and resolute.”
“I stand united with all Filipinos worldwide in commemorating the Ninoy Aquino Day. By standing for his beliefs and fighting for battles he deemed right, he became an example of being relentless and resolute for many Filipinos,” the President said.
“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,” the President added.
The Aquino patriarch, a staunch critic of Mr. Marcos’ late father, then President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., was gunned down at the Manila International Airport on August 21, 1983, moments after he landed in the Philippines after a three-year exile in the United States.
The Aquino clan, relatives, friends, and supporters on Monday attended a mass commemorating the 40th death anniversary of the late senator at the Sto Domingo Church in Quezon City.
Ballsy Aquino, one of the late senator’s five children, thanked those who joined them in remembering her father.
“To our fellow Filipinos who joined us today when being seen with the Aquinos is not exactly in fashion during this time, thank you for being one with us today in remembering Ninoy Aquino: the man who dreamed the impossible dream, to fight for the right with, for the Filipino he believed is worth dying for,” Ballsy said.
Mr. Marcos, for his part, called on Filipinos to strive toward an inclusive Philippines.
“Together, let us develop the Philippines grounded in reason and fortitude, where the boundaries of our personal biases fade and the welfare of all becomes our priority. As we take measured yet realistic strides toward progress, let us allow our indomitable spirit to drive us to uplift every Filipino and build an inclusive and more progressive Philippines,” he said.