If we can’t establish the whole truth, we can at least try to stop those in power from using an assassin’s bullet to silence political enemies. Twenty-three years after the Marcos regime silenced its most prominent opponent, people in positions of power across the country are still assassinating their enemies, including political rivals and critical journalists. This culture of violence has held back the country’s development and made a mockery of our democratic system.
If we can’t establish the truth about Ninoy’s assassination, we can at least carry on his fight against the abuse of public office for personal gain. Ninoy battled corruption so massive it warranted a new word — kleptocracy — with a conjugal dictatorship stealing the nation’s wealth. The country has not yet fully recovered from the dictatorship’s depredation, and the failure to punish those who amassed ill-gotten wealth has institutionalized corruption. Eradicating graft is a continuing battle that the nation cannot afford to lose.
And if we can’t establish the truth about Ninoy’s assassination, we can at least nurture the freedom that his death helped restore. Events in the recent past show that protecting freedom requires eternal vigilance. Each time there is an attempt to subvert civil liberties, Filipinos should remember the price Ninoy Aquino was willing to pay in the name of freedom.