NINOY: THE LEGACY AND THE CHALLENGE FOR DEMOCRACY

MAGAZINE | For readers born before the 1980s, the heartbreaking news from the airport that former Senator Salvador "Doy" Laurel personally shared with a gathering of people will never be forgotten. Meanwhile, for today's youth, his face is familiarly printed on the five hundred peso (₱500) bill. Many thought that the voice of a critic would be silenced, but on the contrary, it resonated even more and expanded in the consciousness of the people.

The Rise of a Critic

Before becoming the main voice of the opposition, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. started out as a war journalist, became mayor, and became governor of Tarlac before finally being elected as the youngest senator in the country. Later, he became the most vocal critic of the government of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.

Due to a serious heart condition, he was allowed to go to the United States for treatment and surgery. After his treatment, he traveled to various countries in East and Southeast Asia to gather support for the return of democracy to the Philippines. He knew that an ordeal awaited him upon his return home, but this did not deter his determination.

Blood on the Runway and the Birth of Change

On August 21, 1983, aboard China Airlines Flight 811, Ninoy landed at Manila International Airport. As he stepped off the plane's gate, gunshots rang out and his blood spilled onto the runway. This assassination sparked intense speculation, sharp information, and heated criticism of the administration. This tragedy sparked the historic EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986.

In honor of his sacrifice, the airport was renamed Ninoy Aquino International Airport by virtue of Republic Act No. 6639 in 1987. His face was also placed on the ₱500 banknote, and the town of Senator Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat province was named after him by virtue of Republic Act No. 6712. Two decades later, Republic Act No. 9256 was enacted declaring August 21 as a national holiday to commemorate his heroism and his famous philosophy: "The Filipino is worth dying for."

A New Era of Democracy

Currently, under the leadership of the former dictator's son, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the current administration is showing solidarity in commemorating this day. In his official message, the President urged Filipinos to recognize history in order to preserve freedom, strengthen institutions, and confront modern challenges to democracy such as disinformation and division. This shows that despite the different sides of history, the challenge of democracy remains the responsibility of every generation.

The Bridge Between Aquino and Marcos

Behind a long history of political rivalry, there seems to be a good relationship and personal connection between the Aquino and Marcos families. Although there have been deaths on both sides, the current generation shows a better relationship.

The Cacho and Araneta families, including First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, play a big role in this. First Lady Liza's aunt, Rosario Cacho, is married to Pedro Cojuangco, the eldest brother of former President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino.

Because of this blood relationship and affinity, the two families remain well-connected outside of politics, proving that despite their different colors, peace is still possible.