40th Year of Commemorating Ninoy Aquino Day

On August 21, 1983, Senator Benigno Simeon Aquino Jr. was assassinated at Manila International Airport (MIA), now known as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), upon his arrival from his 3 years of exile in the United States. Through Republic Act 9256, signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on February 25, 2004, the 21st of August is declared a non-working holiday and celebrated annually.

The death of Ninoy Aquino, as the staunch figure of opposition to the late dictator, President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., was one of the catalysts for the modern revolution in Philippine politics. In a time of political and social crisis where oppression is prevalent and democracy is chastised by authorities solidifying power for themselves, his assassination served as an eye-opener for Filipinos to fight for fair and just governance.

'I cannot allow myself to be petrified by the fear of assassination and spend my life in a corner.' These words of Aquino prove his unwavering stance against terror. Following his demise after being gunned down, it subsequently creates a turning point for democracy’s return. Even today, we continue to reap the benefits of being unshackled by oppressive powers — as how free people should be.

However, it remains a challenge to sustain this liberation as new political shenanigans have emerged. As we commemorate the legacy of Aquino, may we remember beyond dates and concretize history’s gift of relentless valor as ushered by Aquino’s heroism. Let us be vigilant against various agents that threaten our rights. Together, we should uphold the line and safeguard our voice as we speak freely of what we believe is right.

About the Author

Maan Deuda

Maan Deuda is a second year BA Political Science student at Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT). She first joined the world of journalism during her junior high school at La Salle Academy - Iligan as a news writer from 2016-2018 which helped her learn and improve her craft. Also, Maan is a former 1st year representative of the Political Science Society, and currently a news writer for CASSayuran - the official publication of the College of Arts and Social Sciences of MSU-IIT.