REMEMBERING NINOY

TODAY marks the 22nd DEATH Anniversary of BENIGNO "NINOY" AQUINO, Jr. AFTER spending three years in the U.S.A., Ninoy decided it was time to come home. He was able to get a passport under the name Marcial Bonifacio, a name reminiscent of his incarceration at the hands of the CONJUGAL DICTATORSHIP. He travelled with journalists on his way to the Philippines. All his last moments were documented EXCEPT that last few seconds when he was asked to pass by the small side exits [usually used by airline maintenance staff]. THAT was when it all happened. FIRES were heard seconds after he stepped out of the exit. He was accosted by armed men and refusing would be detrimental to all the other passengers. Some of those who were with him insisted they accompany him, but they were shoved by the heavily armed men. NEWS of his death spread like widfire in all branches of media through the world.This triggered mass action seen all over the country. >First, it was the funeral march from Sto. Domingo Church to Paranaque. My Nanay went to Claro M. Recto Avenue, despite the rains. She waited atop the Bridge near FEU. At that time, we were wondering where she was. We were waiting for lunch at home, but no one would tell where she went. We learned later that she did go there because she wanted a last glimpse of Ninoy's. She jostled along with thousands...because she vowed she has never seen such massive gathering since Ramon Magsaysay's funeral. >Then there was EDSA 1. People finally united against the abuses of Martial Law. People no longer can take it: Primitivo Mijares, the author of 'THE CONJUGAL DICTATOSHIP" disappeared without a trace during Martial Law along with thousands of disparecidos. Anyone who opposed FM were sure dealt with iron hands. The people were afraid while Imelda jet-set around the world, hosted lavish parties and paraded extravagance while the ordinary people suffered. INVESTIGATION was ordered by Marcos but no definite, concrete result there. This was, after all, conducted by people appointed by the dictator himself. Speculations were high that it was Marcos himself who ordered the murder. Some say it was Imelda, for she was spurned by Ninoy a long time ago. Others still, forward the Ver and his cohorts planned and executed the murder, at imelda's behest. There were even 'leaks' from Palace insiders that Marcos was so angry that Imelda received a dressing down in front of everyone inside Malacanang. ALTHOUGH the armed men who escorted Ninoy were incarcerated, no one can tell who the mastermind was. Marcos has died, so with Ver, his cousin and trusted aide. Imelda still roams around free: free to spend all the money of the people, free to attend numerous galas around, free to act the way she did some two or more decades past....AND the conjugal dictators' children occupying prominent positions in government. TODAY IS A REMINDER. A REMINDER THAT WE SHOULD NOT FORGET. LET THERE BE NO MORE OPPRESSION. LET THERE BE TRUTH AND JUSTICE IN THE LAND OF OUR BIRTH. LET US JOIN FORCES FOR TRUTH TO PREVAIL. LET NO ONE BE ABOVE THE LAW. LET US PROMOTE SOCIAL JUSTICE, TRUTH AND EQUALITY IN THIS COUNTRY. TODAY, I pay my humble respect to NINOY. Along with this, LET US HONOR THE FALLEN HEROES OF THE PHILIPPINES: THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN UP THEIR LIVES TO MAKE A BETTER FUTURE FOR THE COUNTRY. IT IS RIGHT AND JUST TO DO SO. LEST WE FORGET....REMEMBER THE PAST:FOR IT IS BY KNOWING THE PAST THAT WE CAN MOVE INTO THE FUTURE. _ _ _ _ _TODAY, WE ARE FACED WITH ANOTHER PROBLEM: THAT OF MAKING TRUTH BE SEEN BY ALL WHO LOVE AND CARE FOR INANG BAYAN. LET US PRAY THAT GOD, IN HIS MYSTERIOUS WAYS BE WITH US AS WE FIGHT PRETENDERS AND THE EVIL FORCES THAT LURK AT THE TOP. GOD BLESS THE PILIPINAS WE ALL LOVE!