Ninoy’s Death Anniversary… Celebrated with Pride

August 21, 2003 marks the 20th Death Anniversary of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, the archrival of the oust president Ferdinand Marcos. Ninoy, who was assassinated twenty years ago, is now considered a national hero for his courage to free the Filipino people.

Different celebrations where held yesterday in honor of this remarkable man. One of which was in Manila Memorial Park, where the country’s president, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the hero’s wife and also, a former president, Corazon Aquino, were both present to honor, celebrate and reminisce the event that has greatly changed the Filipino people. In this event, the two lead the singing of the national anthem prior to the celebration of the holy mass for the soul of the late senator.

Even the children of Ninoy seem to have considered the event sacred for they were able to set aside their differences, kiss and make up in honor of their respectable father. The game show host and actress, Kris Aquino and her brother, Tarlac Representative Benigno “Nonoy” Aquino reconciled yesterday on the special episode of “Morning Girls with Kris and Korina.” Kris apologized to her brother, who was a guest in the show and told him, she know that he just wanted the best for her when he expressed his disapproval on her past relationships. Nonoy answered back to her saying that he has learned to forget their unpleasant past and has moved on. He also apologized back to her sister as they exchanged apologetic looks.

Moreover, the senate passed a bill, which will make the late senator a National Hero. This was to recognize the heroism and martyrdom of the late senator. Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. was the principal sponsor of Senate Bill 2356 which, if made into law, will include the late senator among the country’s national heroes like the great writer, Jose Rizal and the leader of Katipunan, Andres Bonifacio. "Such a noble and heroic deed needs to be officially remembered and formally commemorated by the nation to inspire the people, especially the youth of the land, to uphold the values of peace, freedom and democracy which Ninoy had espoused and for which he had paid the supreme sacrifice," Pimentel said in an article. The committee on constitutional amendments was the one responsible for passing the bill titled, "An Act declaring Aug. 21 of every year as the Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino national holiday and for other purposes," which was the main reason why this day was considered a national holiday.

Although, one of the issues still bugging the masses of today regarding the late hero is about the fact that the mastermind of his assassination and the real reason behind it is still unknown. His whole story is unresolved. Perhaps, Ninoy Aquino’s battle was not yet over for as long as his murder and its conspirators are still out there, the Filipino people are still not free. We should not stop hunting for our complete freedom for this is one battle worth fighting for.