If Only He's Alive

Tomorrow, August 21, we remember the day Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino was shot in broad day light at the Manila International Airport. For those who were not lucky to witness the infamous assassination, that day change the whole complexion of the Republic of the Philippines.

Ninoy was not afraid to face his expected death. Sensing danger he told the slew of reporters accompanying him in his flight to “ready your cameras because this action can become very fast.... 3, 4 minutes and it’s over, and I may not be able to talk to you again after this”. To cut the long story short, his death paved the way for his widow Corazon Aquino to annex the highest position in the country. She was catapulted into power in 1986 via Edsa Revolution. Cory finished her 6 year term without any stain of corruption or abuse of power. The couple epitomized what the Filipino people are looking for in a leader. I remember reading a book about former U.S. President Harry Truman, whom I can described as one of the most simple and down to earth person history has ever recorded. During his term, he was invited by different corporations to be part of them but politely declined saying, “You don’t want me, but my office”. When he turned over his presidency to Eisenhower, he left boarding his car with his wife and went back home without any escort. His lone house was his only home for his entire life except during the time he was in the White House. What’s more fascinating about Truman is that when he left office his only money is his pension in army amounting to $ 112 a month.

This is exactly the opposite of former President Ferdinand Marcos who was reported to own mansions at Long Island, New York plus several high rise buildings in 5th Avenue, Manhattan. Joseph Estrada’s hidden wealth was documented by different sectors in the society who wants to divulge the true color of the man who proclaimed himself as the Darling of the Masses. Now, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was in the headlines again as her net worth increased dramatically during her term as President.

In my own opinion, there will never ever be another Ninoy Aquino. His love for his country and his fellowmen were boundless. Even though he saw his death coming, he still insists to step his foot back in the Philippines to free us from the hands of the dictator. He will always be remembered for his famous quote “Filipinos are worth dying for”. Unfortunately, the present administration retaliates saying “Filipinos are worth dining for”. Tsk,tsk,tsk, only if Ninoy is alive.