PANIQUI, Tarlac (August 21, 2023) — Today is the 40th death anniversary of the sacrifice made by former opposition Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.
This is the second year of his death commemoration under the family of his bitter political foe now in power.
In this town, the statues of the former leaders Ninoy and the late President Ferdinand Marcos, with arms raised and fingers in a victory sign, are almost juxtaposed – separated only by the bronze tributes to heroes Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio – a symbol for democracy against the symbol of authoritarianism.
Ninoy was assassinated on August 21, 1983, upon his arrival in Manila from the United States. His killing led to the downfall of the dictatorship of then-President Ferdinand Marcos, the father of the current President and namesake Bongbong Marcos, less than three years later.
Rizal is a hero. Bonifacio is a hero. Aquino is considered by many as a hero. Marcos will never be a hero. His image at the Paniqui Public Auditorium is an insult to the freedom-loving people of this country – and a slap in the face of Tarlakenyos.
