THE SHOT HEARD AROUND THE NATION

"If it's my fate to die by an assassin's bullet, so be it. But I cannot be petrified by inaction, or fear of assassination, and therefore stay in the side." 

Benigno "Ninoy" Simeon Aquino Jr. remains to be remembered as pivotal in the country's battle for democracy and justice against the former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.. He will forever be remembered as the man who continuously challenged the president despite the horrific events sent his way during his term as a senator. However, it begs the question, is this man the hero the country celebrates him as?  

History affirms that he was more than just an impressive politician. Rather, he was an emblem of success, consistently accomplishing remarkable feats despite his young age. He was able to become the youngest mayor, the youngest vice-governor, and then the youngest governor back in the day. Also, he garnered the title of becoming the youngest senator elected in the Senate in 1967. However, his popularity amongst the masses is owed to his vocal opposition to the Marcos administration. It was clear then that the president and the senator did not see eye to eye as they called out each other's lapses, criticizing the other's choices and ideals for the country. The senator even aspired to run for president after Marcos's term. But with the turn of events of history, those aspirations were put to a halt upon the declaration of Martial Law, wherein the imposition of this military rule silenced the opposition. 

Upon the pronouncement of Martial Law, Ninoy was arrested and became a famous prisoner. The senator, being one of the prominent figures who challenged the Marcos regime, led his fate to Fort Bonifacio, a correctional facility where the opposition was held captive. While in captivity, Ninoy faced many hardships – hunger, isolation, and the threat of execution. However, it was not enough to silence him; he continued to persevere and challenge the administration that the country was suffering from.

He suffered a heart attack during his imprisonment and needed to undergo a coronary bypass procedure. No doctor dared to cure the ailing senator for fear of being involved in this controversy. Surprisingly, President Marcos allowed the politician to receive treatment in the United States under the mutual condition that he would return to the country once he had received treatment and that he would not speak out about the regime of the president whilst he was abroad. After years of being away from his country, Ninoy was adamant about returning home. The issue, however, was that the government had ordered not to issue Ninoy a passport. Nevertheless, just like all the other challenges he faced, he did not let this hinder his unrelenting pursuit of justice. He found a way to return to his motherland with a different name – Marcial Bonifacio, a name drawn from "Martial Law" and the prison where he was held. Despite the fear, he could not stand idly by, and he had already decided what he had to do, as the late senator said, "The Filipino is worth dying for."

On August 21, 1983, Ninoy was shot in the head as he exited the aircraft after landing in Manila. It was a shot heard around the nation. This day marks the 42nd commemoration of this brave politician's battle for the democracy of this country. Benigno "Ninoy" Simeon Aquino Jr. died, but his legacy remains as he passes the torch to us all. As we celebrate this day, let us honor his name and live in action with what he has taught us. May this be a testament to aspiring nurses to serve with courage, compassion, and a strong sense of duty. Let this day be a reminder that true service often means putting others first, even in the face of hardship.

Reference Material:

From Senator to Prisoner: The Story of Ninoy Aquino. (n.d.) Martial Law Museum. https://learn.martiallawmuseum.ph/magaral/from-senator-to-prisoner-the-story-of-ninoy-aquino/