Lecture Notes: The Legacy of Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.

Introduction

• Date: August 21, 1983
• Event: Assassination of Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.
• Context: His death was a pivotal moment in Philippine history, leading to the EDSA Revolution in 1986.
• Objective: Ninoy aimed to reconcile the Filipino people and restore democracy.

Ninoy Aquino's Background

• Imprisonment: Locked up for 7 years and 7 months under Ferdinand Marcos's martial law.
• Political Career: Youngest Mayor at 23, Vice Governor at 27, Governor at 28, and Senator at 35.
• Attributes: Known for his courage, integrity, and superb intellect.

The Assassination

• Day of Death: Ninoy was shot while disembarking from a plane at Manila International Airport.
• Impact: His assassination triggered widespread mourning and outrage, eventually leading to the downfall of the Marcos regime.
• Legacy: Inspired the Filipino people to rise against dictatorship.

Political Rivalry with Ferdinand Marcos

• Marcos Regime: A dictatorship that imprisoned Ninoy and labeled him a communist.
• Political Duel: Constant rivalry with Marcos, who saw Ninoy as a threat.
• Martial Law: Declared by Marcos to extend his rule and suppress opposition, including Ninoy.

Ninoy's Political and Personal Ideals

• Courage and Integrity: Refused to cooperate with the Marcos regime despite being offered freedom.
• Belief in Democracy: Advocated for the restoration of democratic processes in the Philippines.
• Family and Faith: Found strength in his family and spiritual beliefs during imprisonment.

Life in Imprisonment

• Solitary Confinement: Experienced isolation and psychological torture, particularly in the "Laur" prison.
• Hunger Strike: Conducted a 40-day hunger strike to protest his trial and imprisonment.
• Spiritual Crisis and Renewal: Found solace in faith and prayer during his lowest moments.

Release and Exile

• Heart Condition: Suffered a heart attack, leading to his temporary release for medical treatment in the US.
• Years in the US: Spent three years in Boston, where he deeply studied nonviolence and refined his political beliefs.
• Plan to Return: Determined to return to the Philippines despite threats, believing in the Filipino people's potential.

Ninoy's Return to the Philippines

• Passport Issue: Denied a passport by Imelda Marcos, used an alias to return.
• Reasons for Return: Concern over the country's debt, economic crisis, and looming threat of communism.
• Assassination Plan: Aware of the danger, he decided to return to challenge the dictatorship and inspire hope.

Conclusion

• Impact of Death: Ninoy's assassination became a catalyst for political change in the Philippines.
• Inspirational Legacy: His life and death remain a symbol of courage and the fight for democracy in the Philippines.

Reflection

• Quotations and Beliefs: Ninoy often quoted, "There is a sublime thieving in all giving. A man gives us all, and we are his forever."
• Assessment of the Filipino People: Ninoy believed that the Filipino was worth dying for, seeing them as the nation's greatest untapped resource.