Filipinos should emulate Cory’s conviction, opposition senators say on her 10th death anniversary

MANILA, Philippines — Opposition lawmakers called on Filipinos to draw inspiration from the courage displayed by late President Corazon Aquino in the face of dictatorship as the country commemorates her 10th death anniversary Thursday.

“In times of turmoil, the ones who truly love the country are those who stand by their conviction for what is right and true, and those who inspire their fellow humans to be brave for truth. That is President Cory,” Sen. Francis Pangilinan said.

Pangilinan, a student activist during martial law, said Aquino symbolizes the people’s victory in the hard-fought struggle against the 21-year dictatorship of late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

“It’s a lesson that should never be forgotten, especially now,” Pangilinan said.

He added: “The enemies of freedom have weaponized digital media to spread the propaganda erasing this triumph of democracy. We won our freedom in EDSA. We must protect our freedom and our history against revisionism.”

Sen. Leila de Lima, for her part, said the country lost a great leader with the passing of the former president. The widow of Marcos critic Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. died on August 1, 2009 from cardiac arrest after battling colon cancer for more than a year.

“Sa atin pong paggunita sa alaala ng isang huwarang ina at pinuno ng bansa, lagi sana nating balikan at isabuhay ang kanyang natatanging tapang at paninidigan,” De Lima said.

(In remembering the memory of the exemplary mother and leader of the country, we should always look back and practice her courage and determination.)

The detained senator added that just like Aquino, every Filipino should aspire for and work toward a country where life, dignity and rights are respected and where its citizens can freely express themselves without fear of intimidation.

“Lahat tayo ay nagnanais na mawakasan na ang katiwaliang nagpapahirap sa bayan. Lahat tayo, gusto ng kaayusan sa lipunan. Lahat tayo, hinahangad na igalang ang ating karapatan hindi lang ng ating mga kababayan, kundi pati ng mga dayuhan,” De Lima.

(We all want to end the corruption that pulls down the nation. We all want order in our society. We all want our rights to be respected not only by our countrymen but also by foreigners.)  

Another opposition lawmaker Risa Hontiveros also commemorated the life of the former leader “with respect and love.”

Remembering Cory Aquino’s life w/ respect & love on her death anniversary today :fist::skin-tone-3::purple_heart:

— risa hontiveros (@risahontiveros) August 1, 2019