𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗢𝗬 𝗔𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗡𝗢 𝗗𝗔𝗬 | 𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝗕𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗢 "𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗢𝗬" 𝗔𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗡𝗢 𝗝𝗥.

Today, we celebrate Ninoy Aquino Day, a holiday annually observed on August 21 to commemorate the life and legacy of Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr, a remarkable figure in the Philippines' struggle for democracy. 

On September 23, 1972, late President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in the Philippines, which resulted in the abuse of human rights, extrajudicial killings, restricted press freedom, and corruption, which led the country to a towering debt. Senator Aquino, who was supposed to run for president in the 1973 elections, was then detained shortly after the declaration of martial law and was imprisoned for seven years. 

But even so, he didn't waver despite the adversity he was inflicted at that time — rather, he became fearless. On November 25, 1977, he was sentenced to death by the firing squad. But much to Marcos' surprise, he still dared to challenge his authority and legitimacy when no one dared to speak. The year 1980 came, Aquino's death sentence was commuted, and President Marcos allowed him to leave for the United States for medical treatment.

Approximately four decades and two years ago, Aquino decided to return to the Philippines, fully knowing the risks of doing so, but, bearing in mind the need to restore the country's democracy. Upon the arrival of the plane he occupied at Manila International Airport, just as he stepped his feet on the ground of his beloved nation once again, unexpectedly, he was shot dead in the head while being escorted by militaries. 

Aquino was assassinated upon his arrival in the country, and this developed and sparked outrage and protests. Aquino's story and sacrifices ignited the Filipinos' seek and hunger for freedom, which further led to the People Power Revolution and the overthrow of the Marcos regime.

On February 25, 2004, "Ninoy Aquino Day" was signed into law as an official non-working holiday. This holiday serves as a reminder for all the Filipinos the significance of the democracy that we once lost, but have finally restored.

Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr not only served as governor of a province and senator of the country but, most especially, served as the voice of the Filipinos.

✍🏻: Shahanna Tambong, Junior Staff Writer