The commemoration of former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr.’s 32nd death anniversary on August 21 reaffirms every Filipino’s responsibility to help achieve a freer society and national development, Malacañang said.

“A grateful nation pays homage to the heroism of the late Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr., who selflessly offered his life for the restoration of democracy in our country,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a statement.

“Ninoy Aquino continues to inspire generations of Filipinos to overcome difficulties and challenges in attaining their aspirations for a better future,” Coloma said. “As we celebrate his 32nd death anniversary, it is well to reaffirm the duty of every Filipino citizen to contribute to building a stronger democracy and a more prosperous and inclusive society.”

August 21 is a non-working holiday, which commemorates the assassination of Ninoy Aquino on August 21, 1983. It is known as the “Araw ng Kabayanihan ni Ninoy Aquino”.

Aquino was a prominent critic of former president Ferdinand Marcos. When Marcos declared Martial Law in September 1972, Aquino was one of those imprisoned.

While in prison, he continued to campaign for democracy and even stood for election.

In 1980, he suffered two heart attacks and was permitted to seek medical treatment in the United States, where he remained in exile for about three years.