Marcos points to disinfo, distrust as threats to democracy in Ninoy Aquino Day message

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., son of the late dictator whose martial-law government jailed Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. for nearly eight years, named disinformation and distrust as some of the threats to Philippine democracy today, in a message marking the 43rd anniversary of Aquino's assassination.

 "The memory of Ninoy Aquino reminds us of the courage of Filipinos to stand by their convictions," the statement released by the Presidential Communications Office read. 

"The challenges facing our democracy may have changed over time, but our shared responsibility to reinforce it remains. Disinformation, division, distrust. and civic indifference underscore the importance of active engagement in our nation's affairs. Ninoy's legacy encourages us to meet these challenges with vigilance and faith in the Filipino people as we work together to deliver meaningful progress for all," it added.

Marcos said the holiday today should prompt Filipinos to draw from the past "the resolve needed to safeguard freedom, strengthen our institutions, and deepen national unity."

He committed his administration to protecting Philippine sovereignty, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that liberty is "matched by real opportunities for every Filipino." 

The president said freedom comes with a duty to respect the dignity and rights of others, and closed by calling for "a solemn and purposeful remembrance."

The message did not mention the circumstances of Aquino's death.

Aquino, a former senator and the most prominent critic of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., was shot dead on the tarmac of the then-Manila International Airport on Aug. 21, 1983, minutes after returning from three years of self-exile in the United States. 

He had spent nearly eight years in detention after Marcos placed the country under martial law in 1972.

The killing drew hundreds of thousands into the streets and set off the chain of events that ended with the EDSA People Power Revolution of February 1986, which drove the Marcos family into exile and installed Aquino's widow, Corazon Aquino, as president.

Republic Act 9256 signed in 2004 made August 21 a special non-working holiday in Aquino's honor.