In Time It Shall Be Placed In Your Hands

Ninoy's Letter to His Son 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

Basurang Itinapon Mo, Babalik Din Sa 'Yo

Roxas Boulevard turns into 'a sea of litter'
Yahoo News

Due to heavy rains and strong winds brought by typhoon “Kiko,” Roxas Boulevard turned into “a sea of litter,” a Manila City government official said yesterday.

City public services department chief Carlos Baltazar said wind, rain and high tide combined to cause the waters of Manila Bay to rise beyond the seawall and deposit garbage onto the sidewalk and the road itself.

“The stretch of Roxas Boulevard, particularly that of from Padre Faura to the United States embassy, virtually became a sea of litter, making it nearly impassable for motorists,” Baltazar said.

He said Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim ordered him to mobilize a team to clear the area of trash. According to Baltazar, the mounds of garbage were too much for the sweepers to handle and he had to utilize a payloader to clear the streets.

Baltazar said discarded slippers comprised a significant portion of the collected garbage, which mostly came from Cavite and Parañaque. [...]

Click here to read full text.

For VP, Both May Not Make It: For PP, He Will

LP open to considering Noynoy as VP bet in 2010
GMANews.TV

Despite his current reluctance to seek a higher post in 2010, the Liberal Party is open to considering Senator Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III as its vice presidential candidate in the upcoming elections, party officials and members said Friday.

LP president Manuel "Mar" Roxas II said the party has always been open to fielding Aquino, who is the party's vice chairman, as its bet for the second highest position in the land.

"Noy for VP or higher has always been an option," Roxas, a declared presidential aspirant, told GMANews.TV in a text message.

"I know the family is grieving right now. It's actually much harder after the burial because it's quieter, no more ceremonies and you are with your thoughts and memories. For Noy, it's particularly difficult because he now has to go home to Times Street knowing his mom is not going to be there," Roxas said.

"I know Noy. He's made of good solid stuff. He'll think about these after he grieves," he added.

Senator's Aquino's mother, former President Corazon Aquino, was buried Wednesday at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City. The democracy icon passed away early August 1 after a year-long battle with colon cancer.

The senator, who was elected into office in 2007 and still has until 2013 to complete his term, had said that he is not keen on seeking a higher post in 2010. "I do not relish aspiring for a higher office at this point in time. The focus should be on performing my functions and my duties and responsibilities in this present mode and I have to highlight that given the current administration we are not in normal situation," he said.

But several other LP officials and members said they welcome the possibility of Senator Aquino being the party's vice presidential bet, if ever he decides to pursue the post.

"The decision whether or not to run is a matter Noynoy should [personally] decide. Of course if he decides, he is a member of the Liberal Party, then he will be truly welcome," said LP chairman and former Senate President Franklin Drilon in a phone interview with GMANews.TV.

Qualified

Quezon Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III, head of the LP bloc in the House of Representatives, said he believes Senator Aquino is qualified to run for a higher post.

"I think there is no argument that the torch has been passed to Noynoy to continue what both his parents stood and fought for," Tañada said in a text message to GMANews.TV.

"As to what his plans are, he alone will make that decision. Whatever his decision is, I believe he is qualified for a higher position. His heart is in the right place," said the congressman.

This was echoed by LP member Muntinlupa City Rep. Rozzano Rufino Biazon, who said Senator Aquino is an LP member in "excellent standing."

"I think he is a strong candidate and is very capable to live up to the Aquino legacy of righteous leadership. He could be considered by the party as one of its candidates for 2010," Biazon said in a text message to GMANews.TV.

But Biazon also said there would have to be a selection process, as Roxas and Senator Francis Pangilinan have signified their intentions to run as president and vice president, respectively.

Oriental Mindoro Rep. Alfonso Umali Jr., another LP member, said: "[I] am not sure if he (Senator Aquino) will reconsider, but personally, I don't think it's (VP post) a bad idea."

In the 23-man Senate, four are LP members: Roxas, Aquino, Pangilinan, and Rodolfo Biazon. According to the LP website, there are currently 20 LP members in the House, and at least 11 local government officials nationwide are from the party.

For his part, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr., a Cabinet member and senator during the Aquino administration, said in a text message to GMANews.TV that any political decision depends on the person concerned and his or her party.

But the senator added, "For sure, Noynoy will get a good number of votes nationwide for any post."

----------
Ponder on this:

As of this time, there are only two presidential aspirants who are "bachelors".

If E.P. teams up with G.P., many may laugh about it, but they will be a very formidable duo.

M.R. is destined to tie the knot while N.A. is not committed yet to anyone.

C.A.'s better half was taken from her prior to her being PP.

I.M. contributed to F.M.'s downfall.

M.A.'s image is a burden to G.A.'s image.

A leader should first be a faithful "spouse" to the nation. This is one trademark of a loyal leadership.

For N.A. to make it, E.P. must answer to the "call".
(Tingale hikalimtan mo lang kini, apan dili kawang nga gi-sayran ka.)

Ano Na Ngayon?

"E, ano na ngayon?", "Anong kasunod?"

Pagkatapos nitong isa na namang mahalaga at makasaysayang pangyayari sa ating bansa, sana hindi maitanong sa atin nang mga taga labas-bansa na maiging nagmamasid sa atin ang mga naunang katanungan na iyon na para bang nanonood lamang ng isang tele-nobela. Huwag sana tayong taombayan maging taga pagpanood lamang sa mga pangyayari ng ating bansa. Huwag sanang hanggang pakikipaglibing kay Cory lang ang kaya at gusto nating gawin. Sana di lang sa salita tayo maging magaling kundi lalo na sa gawa din.

Patunayan natin kahit man lang sa ating mga sarili na karapat-dapat tayo sa kalidad ng sakripisyo na inialay sa atin nina Ninoy at Cory at pipilitin nating kakayaning ipagpatuloy ang tunay na diwa ng kanilang sinimulang pakikibaka. Sila noon (at ang iba pang mga katulad nila) ang nagtatag sa pinagbagong pondasyon ng ating demokrasya, tayo naman ngayon ang magpatuloy sa paggawa ng dapat susunod na mga bahagi nito. Nasa ating mga kamay na ngayon ipinasa ang ilaw ng pag-asa ng ating bansa. Kung kinaya ng isang maybahay na byuda ang hamon ng pagsubok na ito, e tayo di ba dapat kakayanin din natin?

Ang isang batang maliit na nagsimulang matotong lumakad sa sarili niyang mga paa ay mas madaling makalakad ng maayos kung ito ay pagtatanggalan ng mga bagay na palagi na lang niyang kinakapitan tuwing siya ay hahakbang. Si Cory ay naging parang isang bagay na lagi na lang nating kinakapitan kahit pa hanggang sa kahuli-hulihang saglit ng kanyang buhay -- na dapat siya na sana ang nakakapit sa ating lakas sa mga panahong ito at siya dapat ay nagtatamasa na sa mga bunga ng kanyang itinanim na sakripisyo na noon pang nakalipas na dalawang dekada.

Ngayon sa pagpanaw ng ating kinikilalang dilaw na bayani at ina ng ating pinagbagong demokrasya, dumating na ang panahon at di na natin maiiwasan pa na kailangang-kailangang pipilitin na natin ang ating mga sarili na tumayong matuwid at lumakad ng maayos sa bawat na ating hakbang patungo sa tunay na pagbabago na ginamit ang lakas ng sarili nating mga paa at wala ng kinakapitan pa.

Peru, talaga bang natoto na tayo? Talaga bang isina-isip at isina-puso natin ang uri ng pagbabago na sinimulan at ipinaglaban nina Ninoy at Cory? Mahigit dalawang dekada na mula nang makalaya tayo sa talikala ng mapang-aping pamumuno at sa bolok na mga politiko na sumisira sa ating demokrasya, ngunit hanggang ngayon nararanasang-nararanasan pa rin natin ang marami sa nitong dati pang uri ng di-dapat na mga gawi at di-tama na mga gawain. Bakit hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin natin magawang iwasto kahit man lang ang unang dapat at tamang hakbang patungo sa tunay na pagbabago -- pagbabago na dapat matagal na sanang nagsisimula sa ating mga sari-sarili?

May isang pambatang palabas sa telebesyon noong araw, sabi: "E kasi poto! Heto si mayamang gago bibili daw ng poto, nalaman ni pobreng loko kaya pinatolan nya ito at ibininta ang kanyang poto sa sobrang labis na halaga. Inisip ng pobre na naloko nya si mayaman, inisip naman ni mayaman na nagago nya ang pobre, ngunit ang katunayan, lokong-loko at gagong-gago ang kanilang mga sari-sariling poto-poto dahil peke pala ang potong binili ng pekeng pambayad." (Basahin ulit ang estorya. Palitan mo ng titik "b" ang titik "p" ng salitang "poto".)

Ano ba itong unang hakbang tungo sa tunay na pagbabago na kailangang magsisimula sa ating mga sarili? Ano ang hinala mo kababayan? Tama ka. Oo, katapatan o ang pagiging matapat! Simpleng bagay, subalit kay hirap angkinin sa ating mga sarili. Sa kawalan ng katapatan sa karamihan sa ating mga politiko at sa nakararami sa atin mismo na mga botante, kay raming halalan na ang nawalan ng kredibilidad. Sa halip na maiayos ang ating gobyerno, e lalo pa itong gumugulo dahil mga tiwaling politiko ay di-akmang nailalagay sa ibat-ibang mga puwesto ng gobyerno dahil lamang sa kawalan ng katapatan sa karamihan ng ating mga politiko at ng mga botante. Ang bolok na sambayanan ay dulot ng katiwalian, katiwalian na nag-ugat sa pagiging hindi matapat sa sarili.

Katapatan, ito ay isa lamang sa mga hakbangin na ating kailangang gawin kung talagang gusto nating makamit ang tunay na pagbabago sa ating bansa na kay tagal na nating mithi. Ang katapatan ay isa sa mga pangunahing haligi nang isang maunlad at mapayapang sambayanan. Ito ang pinakasusunod na bagay na kailangang wastong mailagay natin sa ibabaw ng pinagbagong pondasyon na itinatag ng dugo ni Ninoy at ng sakripisyo ni Cory. Ang katapatan na isinasabuhay ni Cory ay isa sa kanyang mga katangian na dapat nating tuluran lahat upang tuluyang makaahon na tayo mula sa pagkalogmok sa malapot na malapot na putikan ng katiwalian. Sa kahit anumang bagay na pagsisikapang tuparin, di mawawala na may kailangang unang hakbang na dapat gawin, at karaniwan, ang unang hakbang ang siyang pinakamahirap gawin sa lahat ng mga hakbangin. Nngunit kung mapagtagumpayan natin kahit iyon lang munang pinakaunang hakbangin na iyon, hindi na masyadong mahirap tuparin ang mga susunod pang mga hakbangin.

Sa di-kalayuang darating na panahon ay magkaroon tayo ng isa na namang mahalagang pontong paikotan ng ating kasaysayan. Kaya habang may sapat pa na panahon bago mangyari yon, sana simulan na natin ang dapat nating gawing pagbabago sa ating mga sarili. Magiging matapat na tayo sa pagtupad maski pa sa maliliit na mga bagay na may kinalaman sa darating na eleksyon. May mga munting bagay na patungkol sa eleksyon na hindi pa sa kasalokoyan lumalabag sa batas ngunit di-dapat at di-akma na pagkunan ng bentaha ng ating mga mayayaman na mga politiko para makalamang sila ng katanyagan laban sa ibang mga politiko.

May iilan sa ating mga politiko na kahit hindi pa nagsisimula ang opisyal na yugto ng panahon ng pagangampanya ay nagsisimula nang magpalabas ng mga patalastas sa mga pangunahing estasyon ng telebesyon at radyo na pangsambayanan. Katuwiran nila sa ginawa nilang ito, hindi pa raw sila nangangampanya dahil walang katagang "iboto sila" ang mababasa o maririnig sa kahit saan sa kanilang mga ipinalalabas na mga pampolitkang patalastas at hindi pa raw sila nag-file ng kanilang kandidatura sa Comelec. Tunay nga na wala ang mga katagang iyon at totoong hindi pa sila nag-file ng kandidatura sa Comelec, ngunit halata na ang kanilang ginagawa ay isang paraan ng pag-ilag sa ating mahina na batas pang-eleksyon. Kung pabayaan lang natin at ipag bali wala lang ang mga ganitong uri ng gawain ng iilan sa ating mga politiko, e papaano natin mapagsimulan sa ating sarili ang unang hakbang patungo sa tunay na pagbabago kung sa pagdating sa pagiging matapat ay di natin kayang gawin. Paano matatawag na walang bahid ng walang-katapatan itong nakasanayan na na gawi ng mga palagian na mga politiko? At kayo namang mga taga "media" magbubulag-bulagan ba lang kayo at tuluyang kokonsentehin ang bagay na ito dahil kikita kayo ng husto sa mga malalaking ibinabayad ng mga politikong ito sa halos araw-araw na pagpapalabas ng kanilang mga patalastas sa mga hintilan ninyo?

Dahil sa kayo mga taga "media" ang dapat ay taga bantay laban sa mga kamalian ng ating bayan, naman ay di sana kayong mag atobiling iwasto at itama ang mga maling nakasanayan na na gawain nang mga politiko. Hindi sana kayo papayag sa ganitong bagay kung hindi pa ang takdang panahon ng pangangampanya. Marahil maliit na bagay lamang ito para sa inyo mga mapagpalagay nating matitino na mga politiko at mga taga "media" at pwede lang ipag walang-bahala, ngunit minsan ang katapatan ng loob ay masusukat sa mga maliliit na mga bagay na ipinag walang-bahala.

Sumasa-atin sana ang pagka matapat ni pangulong Cory -- at sana hindi lamang sa salita, subalit lalo na sa gawa.

Ngayong wala na ang ating kinakapitan na lakas, e ano na ngayon? Anong susunod? Maghihintay ba lamang tayo sa kung ano ang mangyayari sa ating bayan, o kikilos tayo na baguhin unang-una ang ating mga sarili upang may mangyayari sa ating bayan?

Kababayan, nasa sayo at sa akin na ngayon ang ipinasa ni Cory na ilaw, anong gagawin mo?