Tomorrow, Nov. 27, we observe the 77th Birth Anniversary of a great statesman, a well-loved Filipino, and an exemplary family man – Senator Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino Jr.

Born in Tarlac highly respected, to a family that had long been involved in the arena of politics, Ninoy at a very young age became the Mayor of his hometown Concepcion, then Governor of Tarlac, then Senator of the Republic. As Senator, he was a staunch defender of human rights and became the number one critic of the administration.

After almost seven years and seven months in prison, Ninoy was allowed to fly to the United States along with his family to seek medical treatment for his heart ailment. He spent three years in that foreign land.

His family considers those three years as the happiest years of being together as a family.

In the early years of 1983, he received news of the deteriorating political situation in the Philippines. Many of his friends in politics urged him to return to the country before the extremists could take over the country. Despite all odds and aware of what might happen to him, he returned to the Philippines.

The assassination of Ninoy at the airport roused the nation. His death paved the way for his wife Cory to continue what he had left behind – the battle for the restoration of freedom and democracy.

May their example continue to inspire us to take up the challenge of restoring freedom and trust in our democratic system.