It has been 35 years since Ninoy Aquino was shot dead. It is sad that many are barely educated about this crucial chapter in our history, more so since certain forces have been trying to vilify Ninoy’s memory.
Ninoy and his family lived in peace in the United States, away from the dangers of the Marcos dictatorship. But, in hopes of freeing his compatriots from the chains of totalitarian rule, he decided to come back to rejoin the battle for the restoration of freedom and democracy.
There are those who argue that Ninoy returned for the sake of political ambition. While it is true that he wanted to be president, his character is undeniably suggestive of selflessness, evidenced by his renunciation of his comfortable life in a faraway land so he could fight for what he believed was right even at the expense of his own life.
Ninoy’s return from exile must always be remembered as a compelling act of nationalism and martyrdom, and as a noble decision that made a difference in our nation’s history.
IAN CARLO L. ARAGON, iancarloaragon@gmail.com