PNoy’s spokesman tells public: Don’t forget Ninoy sacrifice

As the nation marks the 28th death anniversary of former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy" Aquino Jr. Sunday, President Benigno Aquino III’s spokesman asked Filipinos never to forget his sacrifice. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda also voiced hopes that future generations of Filipinos will continue to value the example the elder Aquino set. “May the Filipino people never forget him and the many others who fought for the restoration of our democracy, and may future generations continue to hold dear the example Ninoy Aquino set for us through his life, his struggles, and his sacrifice," Lacierda said in a statement. Former Sen. Aquino, one of the most vocal opposition leaders against then President Ferdinand Marcos, was gunned down as he returned from exile in the United States on Aug. 21, 1983. His death triggered protests that led to a snap election on Feb. 7, 1986, where his widow Corazon was pitted against Marcos. Charges of cheating by the administration in the 1986 polls led to a peaceful revolt – the EDSA-1 Revolution – that ousted Marcos and installed Corazon in Malacañang. The Aquinos’ son, incumbent President Aquino, won handily in the 2010 elections. President Aquino is scheduled to open an exhibit on his late father at the SM Megamall on Sunday afternoon. – JE, GMA News