Manila: Forty-three years after the assassination of former senator Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino Jr., Senators Bam Aquino and Francis Pangilinan have urged Filipinos to sustain his faith in the nation by resisting hopelessness and confronting abuses.

According to Philippines News Agency, Senator Aquino reflected on his uncle's life and legacy, recalling childhood visits during Ninoy's detention. He shared a memory of a joke from his uncle, which he only understood later in life. 'Kuwento ng mga magulang ko, tuwing dinadalaw raw namin si Tito Ninoy, lagi niyang biro: Paul at Melanie, iwan niyo na si Bam dito para may kasama naman ako,' Aquino said, highlighting the isolation Ninoy endured during his seven years and seven months in detention. Despite this, Ninoy maintained his faith in God and trust in the Filipino people.

Senator Aquino emphasized that Ninoy's decision to return to the Philippines in 1983 was driven by this unyielding faith, encapsulated in the statement, 'The Filipino is worth dying for.' He described this as a testament to Ninoy's belief in the value of each Filipino during uncertain times. 'Apatnapu't tatlong taon na ang lumipas, pero ito marahil ang pinakamahalagang pamana ni Tito Ninoy sa akin: Huwag mawalan ng pag-asa sa Pilipino,' he stated.

Senator Pangilinan added that commemorating Ninoy's sacrifice should extend beyond mere ceremonies and monuments. 'Para kay Ninoy, mas mabigat ang mawalan ng bayan kaysa mawalan ng buhay,' he remarked. He urged Filipinos to honor Ninoy's legacy by defending democratic institutions, holding officials accountable, and prioritizing public welfare over personal and political interests. 'Hindi pa tapos ang laban, pero patuloy tayong lalaban. Iyan ang pinakamagandang parangal na maisusukli natin sa kanya,' he concluded.

Republic Act 9256, established in 2004, designates August 21 each year as Ninoy Aquino Day to honor his sacrifice and legacy.