Duterte: Philippines needs more citizens like Ninoy Aquino

August 21, 2018

President Rodrigo Duterte said the Philippines needs more citizens like late Senator Benigno Aquino III to bring the country to a better future.

This as Duterte joined the entire Filipino nation in celebrating the Ninoy Aquino Day on Tuesday.

"In this time of real and lasting change, we need more citizens like him (Aquino) so we can steer our country towards the direction where a brighter and better future awaits us all," he said in his message.

He said this could only be achieved if the Filipinos work together to institute "meaningful reforms" that will put an end to the many social ills that have obstructed the country's path toward becoming a mature and stable democracy.

The President underscored Aquino's role in restoring peace and democracy in the Philippines.

"His profound love of country has inspired a revolution that altered the course of our nation's history and gave birth to the freedoms we enjoy today," he said.

Aquino was assassinated at the tarmac of the now Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Aug. 21, 1983 when he returned to the country from exile in the United States. He was a staunch critic of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos who ruled the country for about two decades.

"Let us take this opportunity to reflect on his sacrifice as we honor the courage and patriotism that Ninoy demonstrated during his struggle," Duterte said.

He expressed hope that Aquino's dedication to his cause serve as a guidepost for the current leaders in government as they advance the welfare of the people, especially the oppressed and marginalized.

Three years after Aquino's assassination, his wife, the late Corazon Aquino was catapulted to power in a Church-backed bloodless coup, ousting Marcos.

The Aquinos' only son, Benigno Aquino III, also became president of the Philippines in 2010 to 2016. Celerina Monte/DMS