Remembering Ninoy Aquino: A Life That Changed Many
Senator Kiko Pangilinan recently reflected on the enduring impact of Ninoy Aquino’s life and death, calling it a defining moment that altered the course of many Filipinos, including his own. Marking Ninoy Aquino Day, the senator shared how the assassination of his “frat brod” shifted his perspective and ignited his commitment to social change.
At the time of Aquino’s assassination, Pangilinan was celebrating his 20th birthday with fellow members of the University of the Philippines’ Upsilon Sigma Phi fraternity. He recalled how Aquino, once just a fraternity brother, became a symbol of resistance and hope.
From Indifference to Activism
“The violent silencing of a remarkable opposition leader changed the path of many Filipinos like me,” Pangilinan said in Filipino. He admitted that before Aquino’s death, he was largely indifferent to the country’s social and political issues.
However, that tragic event awakened his consciousness. By 1984, Pangilinan was actively participating in street protests advocating for freedom and democracy, serving as a student leader and activist at UP. He also took part in the historic EDSA People Power Revolution, which eventually toppled a dictatorship.
Continuing the Fight for Democracy
Today, Pangilinan remains dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions. “I continue to help strengthen the institutions of democracy—such as the checks and balances on state power like the Senate,” he said in Filipino.
He also commemorated the 42 years since Aquino’s assassination, highlighting the profound loss experienced by the Aquino family, including former Presidents Cory and Noynoy Aquino.
A Legacy of Love and Patriotism
Despite the years that have passed, Pangilinan emphasized that Aquino’s legacy endures. “Here we are, still in the realm of politics, living out one of the many lessons from Ninoy’s life: If you love the Philippines, you will fight for it. You will fight for the dignity of the most oppressed. As the saying goes: A lover, a patriot, a fighter,” he concluded in Filipino.
Each year, Ninoy Aquino Day is observed to honor the memory of the former senator and fierce critic of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the current president’s father and namesake, reminding Filipinos of the sacrifices made for freedom and democracy.
For more news and updates on Ninoy Aquino Day, visit Filipinokami.com.
