By Herman M. Lagon
In a nation where memories might be as fleeting as the monsoon rains, August 21, 1983, still holds great emotional resonance for many Filipinos. This day saw the beginning of a movement aiming at recovering truth, justice, and freedom from a dictatorship’s iron grip rather than only a man’s terrible end. Returning from exile, Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. entered the annals of history as a martyr whose gruesome death would fan the flames of a revolution altering the path of the country rather than just landing on Philippine territory.
Ninoy Aquino represented more than just politics. For those who had long been muffled, he was a lighthouse of hope and a symbol of opposition against tyranny. His murder on Manila International Airport’s tarmac—now rightly called Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)—shook the country to its very foundation. But in the quiet that followed the gunshots, a collective voice started to grow, one that would culminate in the historic People Power Revolution of 1986, which gently removed Ferdinand Marcos from office.
Ninoy Aquino’s legacy goes beyond his passing to include what his life embodied. For a country still struggling with social justice, human rights, freedom, democracy, and integrity, his bravery to speak truth to power—even in the face of immediate danger—is an enduring lesson. His life and death serve as a reminder that although the search for these values sometimes comes at a significant cost, the national benefit is well worth the expense.
Though 41 years have gone since that terrible day, the echoes of Ninoy’s sacrifice still resound in Philippine history. But as time passes, there is increasing worry that the actual meaning of his legacy might be lost in the sands of time, particularly in the digital era when false information might readily skew the story. Under the pretext of “holiday economics,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent action to change the celebration of Ninoy Aquino Day from August 21 to August 23 begs issues regarding the underlying reasons for such choices. Is it only about planning a long weekend, or is there a more subtle, sneaky attempt to downplay the importance of a day that starkly reminds us of the perils of totalitarian power?
Signed into law in 2004, Republic Act No. 9256 was unambiguous in its intention: August 21 was a national non-working holiday in honor of Ninoy Aquino, acknowledging his martyrdom as a turning point in the struggle for democracy. For some, moving this date—even just a few days—may not seem like a big deal, but to others, it is an apparent disrespect for the historical background that gives this date weight. Ad Rep. Edcel Lagman rightly said that national memorials are markers of our shared memory, not just numbers on a calendar; thus, changing them runs the danger of erasing the lessons they impart.
Long linked with the values of democracy and social justice are the Aquino family—especially Ninoy’s widow, the late former President Corazon Aquino, and their son, the late former President Benigno Aquino III. These values developed in the furnace of their losses and their steadfast allegiance to the Filipino people. Ninoy’s murder attacked not only one man but also the very values that support a fair and democratic society.
Lessons from Ninoy Aquino’s life and death are more pertinent than ever as the nation finds itself at a crossroads, political tensions simmer, and the specter of totalitarianism and gutter-traditional politics loom large. His narrative reminds us that the fight for truth, justice, and freedom calls for constant awareness, bravery, and a strong will to serve the larger good.
Under this framework, one should scrutinize the concept of “transcending political barriers,” advocated by President Marcos Jr. Though they are admirable objectives, unity, and progress cannot come at the price of historical truth and justice. We have to make sure the lessons of Ninoy Aquino’s life are not conveniently rewritten or forgotten to further political agendas if we are to honor his legacy. Instead, they should motivate the next generations of Filipinos to carry on the struggle for a fair and free society.
Though insignificant to some, postponing Ninoy Aquino Day to August 23 reflects a more general problem: the continuous struggle over how history is interpreted and who gets to write that story. It reminds us that the fight for truth is present and future, which calls for continuous attention rather than limited past concern.
Whether on August 21 or 23, let us remember that the real meaning of this day is not the date but rather what it stands for as we get ready to honor Ninoy Aquino’s death. This is a day to honor the bravery of a man who gave his life for his country, consider the ideals of truth, justice, and freedom he supported, and remind ourselves of the continuous struggle to protect these values against any effort to compromise them.
Whether we celebrate Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21 or August 23, ultimately, what really counts is that we never forget the lessons his life and death impart upon us. Let us make sure that his sacrifice inspires us to stand up for what is right, speak out against injustice, and work toward a future whereby the values of social justice, truth, and freedom are not only aspirations but also realities for every Filipino.
***
Doc H fondly describes himself as a “student of and for life” who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.
