MANILA, Philippines – President Aquino on Thursday launched a book narrating his family’s perspective of the events that transpired during the 1986 People Power Revolution, which led to the ouster of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
“Everyone knows that there are different accounts of what happened (in February 1986). Those who were left-leaning at that point in time have documentation of their own struggles,” Aquino said during the launch of the book, “The Aquino Legacy: An Enduring Narrative,” at the Raffles Hotel in Makati City.
“Those who were once part of the regime have released their own version of what took place at the time. Here, we have an alternative account, one that is inextricable from the life of our family,” he added.
The book was written by The STAR columnist Elfren Cruz and Neni Sta. Romana Cruz.
“All accounts of history are written with the personal biases and views of the authors. What is important is the fact that we are adding to the body of knowledge available at this point,” Aquino said.
“We are making sure that no one is able to dictate history, and consequently, influence the thinking of the Filipinos. We are making sure that the whole picture is available as opposed to what can only be called propaganda,” he added.
The book is a collection of historical accounts, commentaries and human-interest essays. It is dedicated to the youth to help them understand the lessons of martial law and the struggle to restore democracy.
The President said significant events that transpired during the 20-year martial rule were included in the book, along with the “challenges my mother faced in restoring and safeguarding democracy after the Filipino people won the country back from the iron fist of the dictator.”
Aquino said the book is meant to remind the present generation of how millions of Filipinos took a stand against the dictatorship.
“My parents are perhaps the most prominent examples of that. As such, by its very nature, this book will be an intensely personal read. In documenting the events that shaped our nation, so too does it provide a closer look at our family – at the normal lives we tried to lead in spite of extremely extraordinary circumstances, and at the lessons and principles that continue to guide us to this day,” he said.
Aquino commended the authors of the book, who he said were among those who have stood by his family.
“It is remarkable to see that you continue to work with the same love for country that you showed in the days when we were fighting for the freedom of the Philippines,” he said.