MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has urged his fellow government workers to serve with honor, integrity and purpose, just like the late former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.
In a statement in time for the 36th death anniversary of Aquino, President Duterte said that much has to be done to solve the ills that beset the Philippines, the same during Aquino’s time.
“I also hope that Ninoy’s remarkable life as a public servant will move my fellow government workers to serve with honor, integrity and purpose as well as inspire our youth to be of service to their country and fellowmen,” Duterte said.
“Despite our gains in these past three years, there is still a lot that needs to be done if we are to completely eradicate the poverty, corruption and injustice that had plagued our nation even during Ninoy’s time,” he added.
The President also noted that the sacrifices done by the former senator in restoring our democratic institutions more than three decades ago continue to ignite the spirit of heroism among Filipinos.
“His sacrifice altered the course of our nation’s history and still continues to ignite the spirit of heroism among our people,” Duterte said. “This auspicious occasion should remind us of what we had lost so that we may remain committed to our solemn duty to safeguard the freedoms that we now enjoy.”
“Let his example guide to as we strive to uplift and protect the most vulnerable in our society and ensure that all Filipinos will enjoy the blessings of freedom, democracy and the rule of law,” he added.
Aquino, a modern-day icon of democracy, was assassinated on Aug. 21, 1983. The incident is commemorated yearly in the country as Ninoy Aquino Day and is declared as a special non-working holiday./PN
