On the fateful day of August 21, 1983, our family was having dinner when my late father broke the news that Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. had been shot. At that time, I was a Grade 6 student attending La Consolacion College in Bacolod, a Catholic school run by nuns, and frankly, I did not fully understand what my father was talking about. To me, it was just another piece of adult conversation. Little did I know that this moment would mark the beginning of a significant chapter in both the history of our country and my own family’s understanding of justice and political struggle.
As months passed and years unfolded, our school and community became centers of learning and reflection about the tragic death of Ninoy Aquino. We were exposed to symposiums, vigils, and gatherings calling for justice and reforms. The story of Aquino, a staunch opponent of the authoritarian regime of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., resonated deeply not only nationally but also within local communities like ours in Negros Occidental.
Our family was not exempt from the harsh realities of political repression and abuses of power—though these abuses did not come directly from Marcos himself, but from local officials aligned with him. In our province, during election seasons, it was common knowledge that candidates supported by those in power would win by hook or by crook. Vote-buying, intimidation, and manipulation of election results were rampant. The political machinery was heavily skewed to favor those who maintained the status quo. This environment of coercion and unfairness was a grim backdrop to our family’s personal experiences.
My late father, Ding Deferia, worked as a public relations officer for the late Congressman Armin Gustilo, who served our province during those tumultuous times. His responsibilities included writing about events in the sugar industry, which was the backbone of Negros’ economy. Despite the importance of his work, my father eventually chose to leave his position and start his own business. This decision came amidst growing political tensions and perhaps also from his desire to establish a life independent of the political dynamics swirling around us.
The political landscape during that period was complex and fraught with power struggles. For those interested in the intricacies of these local political battles and election disputes, one can refer to electoral case G.R. No. 71843. March 12, 1986 which was included in SCRA (Supreme Court Rulings Annotated) files that detail the contentious atmosphere. Such cases highlight how the democratic process was often manipulated, and justice was elusive for many.
Reflecting on those times, I recognize how the assassination of Ninoy Aquino was more than a national tragedy. It echoed through the lives of ordinary Filipinos like my family. It exposed the deep roots of political injustice and galvanized a movement that would eventually lead to the People Power Revolution and the restoration of democracy. For me, those early encounters with the realities of political violence and corruption shaped my understanding of justice and the value of civic engagement.
Today, as I look back over four decades later, the lessons from that era remain relevant. The struggle for fair governance and respect for human rights continues. Remembering Ninoy Aquino and the sacrifices made by those who fought against tyranny reminds us of the importance of vigilance, courage, and hope in building a just society.
But rebuilding the Philippines to its status in the early 60’s or pre martial law era, would not need another Ninoy to be shot in the tarmac, but for each Filipino to assess themselves if how serious they want this country to be great again. No more blood or heroes, but each and every Filipino must turn themselves to live everyday towards the betterment of our country. We could all start from ourselves, our family, then our community, and eventually our country, to move to a new direction that will eventually bring this country back to greatness again. ||
