By Forty-three years after the assassination of former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Friday said that Philippine democracy remains alive, but its survival and evolution must continually be fought for.
Speaking at a press conference here, Hontiveros reflected on Aquino’s decision to return to the Philippines in 1983 despite threats to his life and uncertainty even among Filipinos seeking political change at the time.
Aquino was assassinated on Aug. 21, 1983 upon returning to the Philippines after years of exile in the United States. His killing galvanized opposition to the dictatorship of then President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and became one of the pivotal events leading to the 1986 People Power Revolution.
