Ninoy Aquino's 41st martyrdom anniversary marked amid controversy over holiday change

Supporters join relatives during a Mass celebrated by Fr. Flavie Villanueva in commemoration of Ninoy Aquino's 41st death anniversary at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City on August 21, 2024. Also present at the event were Ninoy's daughter, Viel Aquino, and former Senator Bam Aquino. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

MANILA —  Family members, prominent personalities, and various groups held various activities Wednesday to commemorate the 41st martyrdom anniversary of opposition leader and democracy icon former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.

Aquino was assassinated at Manila's airport in 1983 upon arriving from exile in the United States — a key event that eventually led to the EDSA People Power Revolution which ousted Aquino's political rival, the late dictator President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in 1986.

The commemorations ensued amidst discussions surrounding the recent decision by Marcos Sr.'s son, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to move the commemoration of Ninoy Aquino Day from August 21 to August 23.

The date change, implemented through Proclamation No. 665 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on August 15, declared August 23 as a special (non-working) day. According to the proclamation, the change was made "in order to provide for a longer weekend, thereby promoting domestic tourism."

A memorial mass organized by Tindig Pilipinas was held at the Aquino mausoleum in Manila Memorial Park, where Aquino Jr. is buried alongside his wife, President Corazon Aquino, and son President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.

Apo ni Ninoy Aquino, dismayado sa paglipat ng petsa ng Ninoy Aquino Day

Family members who attended included Aquino's third daughter Viel Aquino-Dee and nephew former Sen. Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV.

Bam Aquino expressed mixed feelings about Marcos Jr.'s decision.

"Matagal naman na ginagawa 'yong paggalaw ng mga holiday. Ilang presidente na 'yong gumagawa ng holiday economics at naiintindihan ko naman 'yon. In fact, marami sa mga kaibigan ko excited nga silang mag-long weekend.

"Pero bilang family member mas maganda talaga i-commemorate 'yong araw ni Ninoy Aquino mismo sa araw na pinatay siya," he said.

(Holiday economics have been done by several presidents, and I understand it. In fact, many of my friends are excited about the long weekend. But as a family member, it's more meaningful to commemorate Ninoy Aquino on the day he was actually assassinated.)

Activist and former Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr., who also joined the commemoration, said, "Hindi na lang sana minove yung holiday...we appreciate that Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na dineclare niya 'yon na non-working holiday yung pagpasalang kay Ninoy kaso lang parang lumabnaw kasi inilipat niya."

(The holiday shouldn't have been moved. We appreciate that Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared it a non-working holiday, but shifting the date waters down its significance.)

Historian Xiao Chua acknowledged that while the date change could affect the day’s significance, the public's respect for Ninoy Aquino's legacy could still amplify its impact.

Marcos moves Ninoy Aquino Day to August 23

"Kapag ginagalang talaga ng tao 'yong araw na 'yon, hindi naman talaga nagkakaroon ng mas malaking impact. In fact, nadadagdagan pa nga 'yong usapan, mas naha-hype," he said.

(I believe that the respect people have for that day can still create a significant impact, possibly even increasing public discourse.)

Peace advocate Teresita "Ging" Quintos Deles and singer Leah Navarro also among those who joined the mass, which was celebrated by Fr. Flaviano "Flavie" Villanueva, SVD.

'PUWEDE NAMAN MAGTULUNGAN'

Bam Aquino also addressed rumors of a potential alliance between the Aquino and Marcos camps in the upcoming 2025 national elections.

He emphasized the importance of working together on issues that matter to the people but made it clear that he would be running as an independent candidate alongside Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan and human rights lawyer Atty. Chel Diokno.

"Kung may mga bagay na importante na magtulungan, pwede namang magtulungan, mas mahalaga ang taumbayan sa aming mga pamilya--'yon malinaw 'yon sa'kin...Pagdating sa mga pormal na pag-uusap sa politika, parang kahapon ay naglabas na ng slate 'yong administrasyon noh? So ako po, next year tatakbo po tayo bilang isang independent," he said.

(If there are important matters where we can help each other, we can do so. The people are more important to us than our families, that’s clear to me... When it comes to formal political discussions, it seems like the administration just released their slate yesterday, right? So next year, I will be running as an independent.)

In May, Aquino revealed he heads fledgling political party Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino.

NATIONWIDE ACTIVITIES

Earlier in the morning, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and other groups also commemorated the Aquino's assassination with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City.

Moving 'Ninoy Day' won't diminish fact that Aquino Jr. died fighting for country, says family

Joining the NHCP at the memorial marker in the departure area of NAIA Terminal 1 were the Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission (HRVVMC), the Spirit of EDSA Foundation, the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation, Inc., the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation, Project Gunita, and the August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM).

Groups also participated in a "Ride On Against Revision of History" motorcade to Baclaran Church.

In Concepcion, Tarlac, Ninoy Aquino's birthplace, a mass was also held at the Santuario de la Inmaculada Concepcion, and a wreath laid at the municipal hall.

Film viewings were also put up at the Concepcion town plaza, the Aquino Museum and Event Center and the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Auditorium in Quezon City.