Two days before the commemoration of the 26th anniversary of the assassination of former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., his son recalled the events from 1983 up to now in a privilege speech in the Senate Wednesday.

Opening his speech, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III recalled that it was prayers that made them get through when he and members of the Aquino family heard that Ninoy was assassinated in Manila last August 21, 1983 after returning from the United States.

He said that they immediately left Boston in Massachusetts, but not knowing how they would be received by the Filipino people. They joined their father in his three years of exile in the United States.

The senator said however that their fears were thrown away when they saw the deluge of Filipinos who attended his father’s funeral.

He said that his father was proven right when he said: “The Filipino is worth dying for!”

Aquino III recalled the events of the days of “People Power” when strongman and then-president Ferdinand Marcos was ousted and his mother Corazon Aquino installed into the leadership of the nation in 1986.

After her mother’s term as president, he said she reverted to “citizen Cory” until her death this August 1 after battling colon cancer.

Cory magic

In behalf of the Aquino family, the senator expressed his wholehearted appreciation to everyone who gave praises to the former president and expressed their condolences to her family.

According to the senator, the outpouring of sympathy and support proves that “Cory magic” remains alive.

He said however that its true meaning may be getting lost and forgotten. He reminded that it was not about his mother but the restoration of power to the Filipino people.

“We can only offer in reply to our parents, a gentle reminder that the destiny of our country cannot be shaped by one family alone,” he said.

Aquino III added that to truly honor the memory and sacrifices of his parents, each Filipino should ask himself if he remains true to what his parents fought for, if one opposes the proliferation of corruption in government or one is content to turn a blind eye.

“Ngunit ang atin pong demokrasya ay hindi lamang isang regalong basta lamang tinatanggap. Ito po'y kailangan nating bantayan at alagaan araw-araw. Bilang pagpugay kay Ninoy at Cory Aquino sa ika-21 ng Agosto, nararapat marahil na tanungin natin sa ating sarili: Sapat ba ang ating ginagawa bilang mga mamamayan upang patibayin ang mga haligi at pasiglahin ang mga institusyon ng ating demokrasya?” asked Aquino III.

(But our democracy is not a gift that we can just receive. It should be protected and nourished everyday. To honor Ninoy and Cory Aquino on August 21, maybe it should be proper to ask ourselves: Are doing enough as citizens to strengthen the institutions of our democracy?)

The senator meanwhile may have provided an answer to those urging him to run for higher office in the 2010 polls to continue his parents’ ideals.

“Ito po ang patuloy na laban ni Ninoy at Cory at nating lahat. At sa labang ito, asahan ninyo na kailanman, ay hindi kayo nag-iisa,” said Aquino III.

(This is the continuing fight of Ninoy, Cory and all of us. And in this fight, expect always that you will not be alone!) From a report by Maricar Bautista, ABS-CBN News.