CONCEPCION, Tarlac (August 21, 2024) — Ninoy Aquino Day falls on this day, holiday economics be damned.
Ninoy Aquino Day was declared a holiday through Republic Act No. 9256, signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on February 25, 2004. This law declares August 21 of every year as a national special non-working holiday to commemorate the assassination of Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., which occurred on August 21, 1983.
Filipinos have short memories.
Aquino was the youngest mayor of this town from 1955 to 1959 at the age of 23. He later became governor of Tarlac Province from 1961 to 1967. The Concepcion, Tarlac, native, became senator of the Philippines from 1967 to Sept 23, 1972.
On the night of Sept. 23, 1972, President Ferdinand Marcos announced that he had placed the entirety of the Philippines under martial law, through Presidential Proclamation No. 1081, which was dated September 21, 1972.
Ninoy Aquino is celebrated for his courage, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to fighting for democracy, even at the cost of his life. His contributions are often recognized as pivotal in shaping modern Philippine history.
But sadly, only his hometown cared enough to celebrate the 41st anniversary of his death on this day and hang yellow ribbons. So much for “The Filipino is worth dying for.”
