Aquino hits revisionism; Duterte pays tribute to Ninoy

MANILA, Philippines — In the age of social media, fake news and trolls, and with many Filipinos now below age 35, former president Benigno Aquino III admitted yesterday it is a challenge to make his father, the late senator Benigno Jr. or Ninoy become known to the young generation and fight revisionism.

The former president hit at those pushing for alternative history after a mass at the Sto. Domingo church in Quezon City held to commemorate the 35th death anniversary of his father.

During martial law, Aquino said media entities tried hard to suppress information about his late father’s asssination at the Manila International Airport in 1983 since there was no press freedom at the time.

Aquino said there were those trying to paint a good picture of the country during martial law.

"They want to believe their version. They are fooling themselves, how does that help them?" Aquino asked.

Earlier at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City where his father and mother, the late president Corazon or Cory were buried, Aquino said a story claiming that his father was Malaysian was making the rounds on social media when Malaysia was not even founded yet when his father was born in 1932.

“That’s fake news. There’s not even an effort to check. But since it is anonymous, because (these people) may not be held responsible for his misdeed, they keep on writing just about anything,” Aquino said.

The former president called on Filipinos to remember the sacrifices of his father to gain the freedoms they now enjoy by fighting the Marcos dictatorship.

Aquino said his father’s death brought a new chapter to the country’s history as it achieved democracy.

The former president said no single Filipino or hero could chart the country’s destiny and that after his father’s death and people asked who could give them direction, many others played his role.

“Let us keep in mind that it is not up to Pedro, or Juan, or whoever to save us,” Aquino said. “If we are to follow the footsteps of those who came ahead of us, we should do our part no matter how small we think it is.”

Emulate Ninoy

President Duterte called on the Filipinos to emulate the deeds of the late senator Ninoy Aquino. “so we can steer our country towards the direction where a brighter and better future awaits us all.”

“This can only be achieved if we work together to institute meaningful reforms that will put an end to the many social ills that have obstructed our path towards becoming a mature and stable democracy,” Duterte said.

Duterte paid tribute to the contributions of the former senator in the restoration of democracy in the country as he cited the continuing reforms being pushed by his administration today.

“His profound love has inspired a revolution that altered the course of our nation’s history and gave birth to the freedom we enjoy today,” Duterte said.

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

He expressed hope that Aquino’s dedication to his cause serve as a guidepost for current leaders in government as they advance the welfare of the people, especially the oppressed and marginalized. – With Aurea Calica, Rudy Santos