Rody calls Ninoy a patriot

MANILA, Philippines - He recently called the slain senator’s son and namesake “gago” or a fool, but President Duterte was all praises yesterday for Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.

In a statement marking Aquino’s 34th death anniversary today, Duterte urged Filipinos to aspire for the common good like Ninoy Aquino, the outspoken opposition figure during the Marcos regime which was blamed for his assassination.

Duterte, who allowed the burial of dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani despite outrage by human rights victims, even borrowed a famous phrase from Aquino: “…indeed, the Filipino is worth dying for.”

Calling Aquino a patriot, Duterte said history witnessed how the slain senator’s work as a journalist and politician drove him to effect “positive and meaningful changes in our society.”

“Even at a time when hope was lost, he remained steadfast in his struggle to restore democracy through non-violent means,” Duterte, an ally of the Marcoses, said.

“His deeds have taught us that we should always aspire for the common good – even if one must go against the grain – and do what is necessary,” Duterte added.

He lauded Aquino for fighting for what was “right and just” throughout his career.

“Up until the very end of his life, he inspired a peaceful revolution that resulted (in) the liberties we enjoy today,” the President said, referring to the historic people power revolution in 1986 that ended the 20-year rule of dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Duterte expressed hopes that the commemoration of Aquino’s death would strengthen the late senator’s “legacy of promoting solidarity and patriotism” among Filipinos “especially in these troubling times.”

“Through his words of wisdom, let us reflect on his life and realize that, indeed, the Filipino is worthy dying for,” Duterte said, echoing Aquino’s famous line.

Aquino, a vocal critic of Marcos, was shot dead on Aug. 21, 1983 shortly after his plane landed at the then Manila International Airport.

The assassination paved the way for a series of events culminating in the 1986 People Power uprising in EDSA that toppled the Marcos regime, installed Aquino’s wife Corazon as president and restored democracy.

Supporters of the Aquinos have accused Duterte of trying to diminish the significance of the people power revolt to pay his debt of gratitude to the Marcos family.

Duterte’s father Vicente served as a Cabinet member of Marcos but his mother Soledad was at the forefront of a group that backed the Aquinos.

Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, daughter of the late president, supported Duterte’s presidential bid.