As Cebu joins the rest of the country in marking the 31st death anniversary of senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, a veteran lawyer and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma called on Cebuanos to perpetuate his memory and legacy.
“Today’s generation now seems to be very busy with gadgets. Some have their own notions of heroes. That’s what I’m worried about,” said veteran lawyer Democrito Barcenas, one of the convenors in the Justice for Aquino-Justice for All (JAJA) Movement.
“August 21 is a very historic day for all Filipinos. Ninoy’s assassination led to the downfall of Marcos. We owe it to Ninoy,” said Barcenas who was jailed for opposing former president Ferdinand Marcos.
Aquino, Marcos’ political rival, was shot dead by soldiers on the tarmac of the Manila International Airport when he returned from a three-year exile in the US on Aug. 21, 1983.
An investigation concluded that Ninoy was shot by Rolando Galman who also got killed by soldiers.
Sixteen soldiers were eventually convicted in the Aquino-Galman double murder case. However, the mastermind was never identified.
While lauding the senator’s son, President Benigno Aquino III, for his governance, Barcenas said he’s opposed to amending the Constitution to grant him a second term of office.
“There’s no need to amend the Constitution. I’m not in favor of that,” he said. Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma also said it’s not the time to talk about Charter change.
“If ever they will amend the constitution, people should be educated about it. And I don’t think Charter Change can be done in a year,” he said.