43 years later, Ninoy’s hope lives on in a nation still fighting

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 21, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Bantayog ng Bayani

Forty-three years after the assassination of former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., Senators Bam Aquino and Francis Pangilinan urged Filipinos to carry on his faith in the country by refusing to surrender to hopelessness and standing against abuse and injustice.

Bam Aquino recalled how Ninoy endured seven years and seven months in detention while remaining hopeful in the Filipino people. He said Ninoy’s return to the Philippines in 1983 reflected his belief that “The Filipino is worth dying for.”

Pangilinan said honoring Ninoy should go beyond commemorations, calling on Filipinos to defend democracy, demand accountability and put the public good above personal interests.

For the senators, Ninoy’s legacy remains a reminder that the fight for a better Philippines continues—and that Filipinos should never lose hope in their own country.