Ninoy Aquino fondly called Noy was an extrovert according to Cory. He was elected as a representative of Tarlac and Senator, the youngest governor & senator of Tarlac. However before being involved in politics, Ninoy first started as a correspondent for the Manila Times, covering the Korean War.

“I do not have anything, but my indomitable spirit said Ninoy during his speech at Boston. Ninoy was permitted to have a bypass surgery due to his heart problems, and there he was given a limited time to enjoy his freedom under the authoritarian dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. In Boston, Ninoy spoke against Marcos. As Ninoy puts it; “You have a president who robs you, and a first leader who robs you more!” he said.

Ninoy Aquino Speech, Boston USA.

Ninoy fought for the people, not for his political ambition.

“Believe me Mr. Marcos, that while i have vowed to never enter the political arena again, I will dedicate the last drop of my blood to the dismantlement of your Martial Law.”

Ninoy Aquino.

There has been no single dictator in history that has lived forever. And so i tell Mr. Marcos, Mr. Marcos study the lessons of history before it is too late.

Ninoy Aquino, Los Angeles 1981.

We should not depend on one man; we should depend on all of us. All of us are expendable in the cause of freedom and therefore i say stand up now and be a leader, and when all of us are leaders, we will expedite the cause of freedom.

Ninoy Aquino.

Salvador Roman Hidalgo Laurel was the son of the so-called puppet of the Japanese-Philippine Republic Jose P. Laurel. Salvador Laurel ran with Cory Aquino, the wife of Ninoy Aquino, during 1987 Snap Election. Doy Laurel ran under the banner of UNIDO, while Cory ran under the banner of LABAN.

Laurel was a brother and a friend to Ninoy. Both ran for a senatorial place, and they won. Both were staunch critics of Ferdinand Marcos. Noy along with Doy, the two were the strongest opposition the country has ever seen, Laurel as a reformist, and Ninoy as a freedom fighter. Both contributed to the Filipino people.

“You can’t see Ninoy — Because he’s been shot.”

Salvador Laurel Museum.

Laurel was tasked on announcing the arrival of Ninoy. He was supposed to deliver a speech, however, his speech turned to be an eulogy for Ninoy.

Salvador Laurel was one of the people that arrived at Fort Bonifacio to see Ninoy’s assassinated body, along with former Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile, who was tasked on securing the arrival of Ninoy under Oplan Balikbayan.

Laurel who resigned from the Cory administration, was a brother to Ninoy. Cory was far more different compared to Ninoy in terms of leadership. Salvador Laurel delivered a speech.

Nawa’y tayong lahat ay magkaisa! sa labanang ito, at kung maari iwasan natin ang himagsikan, kung maari iwasan natin ang paggamit ng dahas. Kung hindi tayo kikilos, sinong kikilos? Kung hindi tayo sisigaw! Sinong sisigaw? Kung hindi tayo lalaban, sinong lalaban? At kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?

Salvador Laurel.

Ninoy did not die for his own political ambition neither did he die for his own political ideology. Ninoy died for the Filipino people. Ninoy was assassinated for fighting for the people, and Ninoy was silenced for speaking up against the crimes committed by the Marcos administration. Ninoy does not have anything, but his indomitable spirit. His contribution to the restoration of freedom and the dismantlement of Martial Law will never be forgotten.

The very fact that we can land safely is victory enough. I have promised to return and i have returned against all odds.

Ninoy Aquino. August 21, 1983.

Ninoy will never be forgotten. He fought for the people and not for his own ambition, despite knowing that he might be assassinated for speaking up against the authoritarian dictatorship of Marcos. His fight will continue on.

We all have to die some time. If my fate is to die by an assassin’s bullet, so be it, but i cannot be petrified and therefore stay in a corner. I must suffer with my people.

Ninoy Aquino. August 21, 1983.