Refrain from using Ninoy Aquino in political clash, continue his fight instead: Bam Aquino

Former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — As the country marked Ninoy Aquino's 92nd birth anniversary on Wednesday, his nephew, former senator Bam Aquino said the democracy icon's name should not be dragged into political feuds.

"Sa mga nakalipas na araw, ilang beses nating narinig ang pangalan ni Ninoy Aquino dahil sa mga bangayan sa pulitika. Ang masasabi ko — huwag idamay ang pangalan ni Ninoy Aquino sa mga away pulitika ngayon," he said in a video released on X.

(In the past days, we often hear about Ninoy Aquino's name due to political arguments. Stop using Ninoy Aquino's name in political clashes.)

Bam said Ninoy's admirers should instead continue "his fight for a just and peaceful society, affordable education, and a government that is not corrupt".

The Aquinos and the family of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are known political rivals. Vice President Sara Duterte brought up the assassination of the elder Aquino when asked about her reaction to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's statement that he would not condone her supposed death threat against him.

"Oo. Di ba, pumalag nga yung buong bayan nung pinatay ng pamilya nila si Benigno Aquino Jr," Duterte told reporters.

READ: Sara Duterte brings up assassination of Ninoy Aquino in response to Bongbong Marcos
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The Aquino family on Tuesday said that Ninoy championed "a peaceful struggle to attain freedom" and that they "oppose any threat of violence or assassination".

Aquino was assassinated at the Manila International Airport in 1983 when he arrived from exile in the United States. His death was among key events that led to the EDSA People Power Revolution, which ousted the late dictator President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

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