Palace to nation: Don’t forget Ninoy’s martyrdom

Malacañang urged Filipinos yesterday to emulate the late former senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.’s selflessness in serving the country.

"Ninoy is a true-blue modern-day hero who should be emulated by us all," Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said. "Truly, Ninoy’s character shone when he made that supreme sacrifice on Aug. 21, 1983. May we not forget what he died for."

President Arroyo is scheduled to attend the noon Mass at the EDSA Shrine in Mandaluyong as part of the activities to observe the 23rd death anniversary of Aquino, who was assassinated at the tarmac of the then Manila International Airport. The mastermind of the killing has yet to be identified.

It was not clear whether Ninoy’s widow, former President Corazon Aquino, would be present during the Mass. She and Mrs. Arroyo had a falling out in July last year when she called on the President to step down over allegations of electoral fraud and corruption.

Citing the book "Agimat in Apo," a book authored by Fr. Ted Gonzales on Filipinos who embody positive virtues and values people should strive for and strengthen in their families, Bunye said Ninoy "was a person of character who would respond to the call of his people to save democracy." — Paolo Romero