President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday marked the commemoration of Ninoy Aquino Day, calling it a moment for reflection and an invitation to govern with “sobriety, conscience, and foresight.”

In his message, Marcos said the day highlights a chapter in history that continues to shape generations and public memory.

“The passage of time has allowed the country to approach this event with greater clarity and, therefore, with a deeper perspective. History invites reflection more than reaction, and from that reflection arises a clearer understanding of civic duty,” said Marcos.

The President further said the observance reflects the nation’s readiness to pursue unity and reconciliation.

Aquino’s assassination on August 21, 1983, sparked a movement that would eventually topple the dictatorship of President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr.

More than 100 supporters, long-time allies, friends, and relatives joined the Aquino family in marking the occasion with a Holy Mass officiated by Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ.

Among those present were Senator Bam Aquino, Liberal Party president Erin Tanada, and Akbayan Partylist Rep. Chel Diokno, whose father, human rights lawyer Jose Diokno, was jailed alongside Ninoy Aquino.

Speaking after the Holy Mass at the Manila Memorial Park in Paranaque City, Kiko Aquino Dee expressed his gratitude for the enduring legacy of his grandfather.

“Most importantly, thank you for Lolo Ninoy for showing us that we can have hope in times that are even darker than the ones that we are living now,” said Kiko, 33, the son of Viel, the fourth child of Ninoy and Cory Aquino, and Dodo Dee, son of the late Ambassador Howard Dee.

This year, Kiko said Ninoy Aquino Day forms part of the month-long “Justice for All” campaign.

The campaign draws parallels between past and present struggles for justice ? from the abuses of Martial Law and the assassination of Aquino to the killings of thousands under former President Rodrigo Duterte’s so-called war on drugs.

The campaign began on August 17 at the Dambana ng Paghilom, a columbarium for victims of the drug war, coinciding with the 8th death anniversary of Kian de los Santos. The 17-year-old student was brutally killed by Caloocan police on August 16, 2017, becoming a powerful symbol of impunity and injustice during the Duterte administration.

Kiko said the campaign will continue on September 21, the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani, and culminate on September 23 with a Mass at the Dambana ng Paghilom. The culmination coincides with the International Criminal Court hearing on the confirmation of charges against Duterte, if it proceeds as scheduled. DMS