When former President Cory Aquino passed away, I wrote a blog about how I felt like I didn’t actually know her at all. I only realized how much I owed her when people started talking about her sacrifices and what she’s done for the country. In the same token, I never really knew who Senator Ninoy Aquino was. All I know is that his death sparked the EDSA revolution. He was really nothing more to me than the face on the 500 peso bill. However after reading a letter that he wrote to his only son Noynoy shortly before he was convicted by a tainted court, I can’t help but be amazed at how great Ninoy was and how much love he had for the country and for his people.
I found this letter on the blog of Aileen’s dad:
LIHAM NI NINOY KAY NOYNOY
August 25, 1973
Fort Bonifacio
11:30pm
Mr. Benigno S. Aquino III
P E R S O N A L
My dearest Son:
One of these days , when you have completed your studies I am sure you will have the opportunity to visit many countries. And in your travels you will witness a bullfight.
In Spanish bullfighting as you know, a man – the matador – is pitted against an angry bull.
The man goads the bull to extreme anger and madness. Then a moment comes when the bull, maddened, bleeding and covered with darts, feeling his last moment has come, stops rushing about and grimly turns his face on the man with the scarlet “muleta” and sword. The Spaniards call this “the moment of truth.” This is the climax of the bullfight.
This afternoon, I have arrived at my own moment of truth. After a lengthy conference with my lawyers, Senators Jovito R. Salonga and Lorenzo M. Tanada I made a very crucial and vital decision that will surely affect all our lives: mommie’s, your sisters’, yours and all our loved ones as well as mine.
I have decided not to participate in the proceedings of the Military Commission assigned to try the charges filed against me by the army prosecution staff. As you know, I’ve been charged with illegal possession of firearms, violation of RA 1700 otherwise known as the “Anti-Subversion Act” and murder.
You are still too young to grasp the full impact of my decision. Briefly: by not participating in the proceedings, I will not be represented by counsel, the prosecution will present its witnesses without any cross examinations, I will not put up any defense, I will remain passive and quiet through the entire trial and I will merely await the verdict. Inasmuch as it will be a completely one-sided affair, I suppose it is reasonable to expect the maximum penalty will be given to me. I expect to be sentenced to imprisonment the rest of my natural life, or possibly be sent to stand before a firing squad. By adopting the course of action I decided upon this afternoon, I have literally decided to walk into the very jaws of death.
You may ask: why did you do it?
Son, my decision is an act of conscience. It is an act of protest against the structures of injustice that have been imposed upon our hapless countrymen. Futile and puny, as it will surely appear to many, it is my last act of defiance against tyranny and dictatorship.
You are my only son. You carry my name and the name of my father. I have no material wealth to leave you. I never had time to make money while I was in the hire of our people.
For this I am very sorry. I had hopes of building a little nest egg for you. I bought a ranch in Masbate in the hope that after ten or fifteen years, the coconut trees I planted there would be yielding enough to assure you a modest but comfortable existence.
Unfortunately, I had to sell all our properties as I fought battle after political battle as a beleaguered member of the opposition. And after the last battle, I had more obligations than assets.
The only valuable asset I can bequeath to you now is the name you carry. I have tried my best during my years of public service to keep that name untarnished and respected, unmarked by sorry compromises for expediency. I now pass it on to you, as good, I pray, as when my father, your grandfather passed it on to me.
I prepared a statement which I intend to read before the military commission on Monday at the opening of my trial. I hope the commission members will be understanding and kind enough to allow me to read my statement into the record. This may well be my first and only participation in the entire proceedings.
In this statement, I said: Some people suggested that I beg for mercy from the present powers that be. Son, this I cannot do in conscience. I would rather die on my feet with honor, than live on bended knees in shame.
Your great grandfather, Gen. Servilliano Aquino was twice condemned to death by both the Spaniards and the American colonizers. Fortunately, he survived both by a twist of fate.
Your grandfather, my father was also imprisoned by the Americans because he loved his people more than the Americans who colonized us. He was finally vindicated. Our ancestors have shared the pains, the sorrows and the anguish of Mother Filipinas when she was in bondage.
It is a rare privilege for me to join the Motherland in the dark dungeon where she was led back by one of her own sons whom she lavished with love and glory.
I ended my statement thus: I have chosen to follow my conscience and accept the tyrant’s revenge.
It takes little effort to stop a tyrant. I have no doubt in the ultimate victory of right over wrong, of evil over good, in the awakening of the Filipino.
Forgive me for passing unto your young shoulders the great responsibility for our family. I trust you will love your mother and your sisters and lavish them with the care and protection I would have given them.
I was barely fifteen years old when my father died. His death was my most traumatic experience. I loved and hero-worshipped him so much, I wanted to join him in his grave when he passed away. But as in all sorrows, eventually they are washed away by the rains of time.
In the coming years, I hope you will study very hard so that you will have a solid foundation on which to build your future. I may no longer be around to give you my fatherly advice. I have asked many of your uncles to help you along should the need arise and I pray you will have the humility to drink from their fountain of experiences.
Look after your two younger sisters with understanding and affection. Viel and Krissy will need your umbrella of protection for a long time. Krissy is still very young and fate has been most unkind to both of us. Our parting came too soon. Please make up for me. Take care of her as I would have taken care of her with patience and warm affection.
Finally, stand by your mother as she stood beside me through the buffeting winds of crisis and uncertainties firm and resolute and uncowed. I pray to God, you inherit her indomitable spirit and her rare brand of silent courage.
I had hopes of introducing you to my friends, showing you the world and guide you through the maze of survival. I am afraid, you will now have to go it alone without your guide.
The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience.
There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength.
Son, the ball is now in your hands.
Lovingly,
Dad
Reading couldn’t have been more timely. If you’re not living under a rock, then you probably know that Senator Noynoy Aquino declared his bid for the Presidency this morning at Club Filipino. In his speech, he also extended an invitation to Senator Mar Roxas to be his running mate.
Live with honor and follow your conscience.
Whoever wins in 2010, I pray that he or she would abide by this code. Because if our future President lives by this then I’m almost 110% that this country will finally move forward.
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Heartwarming message from a good and responsible father, I guess the thought is for fathers and soon to be fathers for their childrens, not for noynoy candidacy or Aquinos heirarchy. Some are taking it more personal. Come to think of it!
Very touching…
Very inspiring! and so heart warming. I believe in the democracy and pure heart governance bestowed to us Filipinos by the Aquino legacy. Mabuhay! ka NoyNoy and the Aquinos, we Filipinos are with you all the way. Clean concience/pure heart and politically dedicated by will of governance is what we all need to raise our proud Philippine Flag not for known richnest nor power but a nation of by the Filipino people and for the Filipino people.
During my younger days, it was when Senator Ninoy Aquino was waging his noble war against tyranny. Although I am not fully aware what really it is…..I just can’t understand during that time….But when he was assassinated I felt I then understood….and felt what he is fighting for. My minutest contribution to the struggles are the so many marches I did joined even I did not belong to any organization like Atom before and even until now. In simple terms…I am part of the masses that sympathizes with his love of country and freedom. Now in my middle age of life, nothing is worth fulfilling to see our country Proud, Prosperous and Free.
I can only truly say….that I am proud to be a Filipino….the blood by our forefathers and heroes that are shed are not in vain. MABUHAY KA PILIPINO…!
i guess these guys are destined. how would you know, the son is now our 15th president of the republic. i hope he abides by his father’s words. by then, i’ll say, hope shows her rare smile to our country. hope so.
I was deeply touch with that letter now I know why noynoy remains single, he is a good son to his father., and now a good leader to our homeland. God Bless him always…
I jusy couldnt hrlp my tears roll down as I read this letter…i dont know but since july 1 i offered prayers for our new president…that the heavens will altogether bless him and guide him to guide the affairs of the phil govt…he is destined to be our president…reading this letter confirms
how smart, great and deep ninoy was! wasnt lucky i havent seen him alive! i remember my father who died when i was 9..it’s really painful. i felt the anguish of ninoy. ive realized how great the aquino family is to have a father like ninoy! if every dad is like ninoy what a better country we had have!
mabuhay ka Noynoy! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino!
…teardrops falling in my eyes.
very touching.
“Live with honor, follow your conscience.” This is an inborn trait of Filipinos. This runs in our blood. Perhaps just forgotten at this time, its about time to revive this… This letter of not only for Noynoy. Its for all Filipinos alive now, to make good and contribute.
Each of us is a son or a daughter, who at some point will lose a parent. Regardless of your age and experience, your bond with your parents is a part of your identity that never goes away. Good luck & God bless PNoy. Mabuhay tayong mga Filipino…
i cant help but cry when I read this letter. Had to find the entire letter right after I watched bits of it on tv after noynoys inauguration. how i wish that i was more aware of what happened to our country during the 70s and 80s…noynoy is now in a position which would put his parents ninoy and cory proud parents..long live noy and god bless
unconsciously, the message of ninoy to noynoy is being realized now… it was made maybe, personally, but the thought is for noy to love the philippines and honor our motherland… such a wonderful father worth remembering…
I shed a tear upon reading it. very touching
very touching!! it made me cry…
why was this dated in 1973?this letter was written 10 years before he (ninoy)died?and yet it seemed like he was already nearing death with the contents of this letter.heart warming and inspirational,yes!but i think whoever published this needs to proof-read this further.we wouldn’t want our countrymen to think that this is just a “gag”!f.y.i
This letter is either edited or saccharined. If this is a personal letter, do you really have to mention your father’s full name to your son?
This is very heart wrenching goodbye/farewell from the hero who fought the democracy for our beloved country.
May you Rest In Peace…
july 2, 2010
i was moved with tears in the eyes, this i could say that the love of country is the foundation of ninoy’s legacy for his only beloved son, now is the time that a real changes and tangible results will be attained for our dear motherland. Long live the Philippines.
Maraming, maraming salamat sa pinakamamahal naming Ninoy. Your heroism will never be forgotten. Our country will not regain the democracy if not because of you. We love Noynoy our new President and will support him all the way as we supported our beloved Tita Cory. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!!!
I was really inspired by this letter a young man received from his great dad. Remember this, young Aquino who now the president of the Philippines.
NAKAKATOUCH!!!!!!!keep it up!Wag u sirain ang pundasyon n inumpisahan ng iyong dakilang mga magulang.Gawin u sanang guide at inspirasyon ang naiwang sulat ng iyong ama.Wer hoping n may pagbabago n mangyayari sa ating MOTHERLANd,GOD BLESS AND WE FOR OUR SUCCESS!!!VERY INSPIRING LETTER…
WE PRAY FOR OUR SUCCESS!!!
Thank you Ninoy and Cory for giving your life for the Filipino people. Truly your life is inspirational to all of us.
Pres. Noy
live by the principle and values of your parents and
May God Bless and Guide you
VERY EMOTIONAL LETTER, NAKAKAIYAK FEEL KO UNG MGA NANGYAYARI NOON KAHIT NA DI PA AKO IPINANGANAK, GAWIN MO KUNG ANO ANG NAKAKABUTI SA ATING INANG BAYAN , GAWIN MONG MATIBAY NA PUNDASYON SA IYONG PAMUMUNO ANG MGA SINABI NG IYONG BUTIHING AMA SA SULAT. DI MAN YA NAGAWA NOON ANG KANYANG GUSTONG GAWIN SA ATING BANSA ,IKAW ANG MAGPAPATULOY NGAUN…… ITO NA ANG PANAHON SA ATING PAGBABAGO!!!! NA MATAGAL NAPINAPANGARAP NG IYONG AMA AT NG SAMBAYANANG PILIPINO!!!!!!!!!!!
Ganyan sana ang LAHAT ng nasa gobyerno, matagal na sanang umasenso ang Pilipinas.
GOD BLESS YOU NOYNOY and may you finally rest in peace Ninoy.
The Filipinos love you.
Maraming salamat sa pagmamahal mo sa Inang Bayan.
the lagacy of ninoy still burning!
fatherly love is never unselfish. he would rather die in hunger than see his family with empty stomach. he would rather eat last and see to it that his family is well provided. that is because he wants to suffer first than his family.
sarap basahin ng paulit ulit!!!! prang si Jose Rizal at Ninoy Aquino ay meron pagkakahawig at yun ay ang pgiging mapag mahal sa bayan! sana marami pang Jose at Ninoy sa panahon nato….
VERY TOUCHING AND VERY INSPIRING…REALLY A HERO THAT WE CAN BE PROUD OF….WE ARE WITH YOU…HINDI KA NAG-IISA…
Pure, inspiring and a portrait of heroes love for family and country.
Ninoy’s letter was supercharged with a genuine love of a father to his son, and his daughters, a great love of a son to his father, grand father, and great grand father, the real love of a husband to his wife, and a true love of a true Pinoy to his country and his countrymen. Ninoy,his word is soul penetrating, deep down beyond the bond morrow. He is a hero indeed, in the likes of Rizal and Bonifacio, etc…a true grit…..to Noynoy keep a close watch on a woman’s diabolical scheme, she has a two front teeth that could bite anyone without conscience and could spread a sting of tetanus. GOD BLESS YOU noy and GOD BLESS the Philippines/
A letter that a father love so much his country.. read beyond the lines.. feel the essence of sincerity to bring back the democracy. A father whom obliged his son to pursue his purpose.. to live every filipino to democratic way of life.. this is definitely why fate put our pres.noynoy to this obligation.. to put in-life the democracy what we have today.. and to bring our motherland to its helm..for you rose u are a stubborn..ignorant filipina… we are not interested in ur opinion.. u shouldn’t enjoy the democracy what the aquino’s are fighting for… sayang ang dugo and paghihirap ng maraming pilipinon nkibaka para sa kalayaan sa isang katulad mo…
MABUHAY ANG FILIPINO….AS A FATHER MABUHAY KA NINOY….SO INTELLIGENT….U HAVE BEEN ANTICIPATED WHAT YOUR SON WILL BE…OR YOU GIVE HIM A VERY BIG RESPONSIBILITY NOT JUST TO LOOK AFTER YOU LOVE ONES BUT TO LOOK AFTER THE FILIPINOS….GRABE NAMAN ANG PAMANA MO…..RESPONSIBILIDAD…. DI BIRO TO HA…
you made me cry…………….
hope ninoy ca be his father too….
hope my kids can be as good as brave and as intelligent as ninoy to….
I can’t help myself but cry..tears keeps flowing into my eyes.. Now I understand why Noynoy bravely took the challenge to run as President.. He was destined by his father to become a good and honorable man. He was molded by this letter to walk in the right path. I firmly believed that he will be starting a corrupt free government. I’ll keep on praying for you Mr. Presindent. I am on your side during the election days and I will be here forever supporting a corrupt free government.. Long live Pilipinos!!
We have heard Pres. Noynoy deliver his inaugural address, his speech was very brave, very true, very sincere. It looks like Ninoy live again. I am really amazed on how Ninoy molded his son despite the fact that he’s no longer present when Noynoy is growing up..Grabe ang galing ni Ninoy.. Nabuhay ang hangarin niyang mapabuti ang Pilipinas kahit patay na siya dahil nag-iwan siya ng isang binhi na tumubo ng matibay at matatag, at alam kong magbubunga ng mayabong, malago at hitik..
so touching lalo na’t pag your in the middle of the dessert while reading it, i am prety sure good governance ang ma-ibibigay ni noynoy. sana at least 90 % ng mga public servants ay godfearing at talagang genuine service to the filipino people, di man maka uwi ang lahat ng OFW at least may pagbabago sa pamamalakad ng gobyerno na makikita natin. let us all unite and be in one with this cause. bangon pilipinas at usog…..
i was really crying while reading this. GOD bless you always PNOY…
i did not vote for nonoybut now he is our president i will support him all the way im really a supporter of the legendary ninoy i hope noynoy will follow through the wisdom of his father
The letter touched my heart and I cried. I always admire the way Ninoy and Cory raised their children. DAKILA KA TALAGA NINOY!
Someone said,”the greatest tragedy in life is not death but life without a purpose”.truly, Noynoy lives with purpose in life. He is the only hope of his father being the only son, now we understand as someone writes why remains single, until the dream of his father be realized, the youngest president of the only country he loved proven by giving his one life.God bless you president Pnoy in the dream of your father ninoy.
very touching and could not help to shed tears from my eyes..although I did not vote Noynoy but gibo. Now I realize that he is destined by God to lead us..His father,Ninoy is worth remembering..Now I believe that Ninoy has forseen the fate of P-noy and while he was in his grave, he guide Noynoy what to do..Now there he is. A shining example of a humble pinoy..and virtues beyond reproach.. keep it up P-noy
the surname Aquino that ninoy bequeathed to his son made him the president of the Philippines
My tears are rolling as i read the letter.
This family has sacrificed a lot for their country. We should be inspired by their example and pledge to do good. Even doing simple things like obeying traffic rules, proper trash disposal, being on time and etc.
Let’s all change!
The letter of Ninoy to Noynoy made me cry. napabigat na habilin ni Ninoy at Pamana. Hindi ako nagkamali sa pagsama ko Edsa People Power last Feb 22-25 1986. Mabuhay si Ninoy at President Noynoy Aquino.