The Philippines needs more citizens like former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday, as the nation commemorates his 35th death anniversary.

Duterte said Aquino “died while fighting to restore peace and democracy in the Philippines.”

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Aquino, an opposition senator and a political prisoner during the time of President Ferdinand Marcos, was killed by a single bullet in the head at the tarmac of the Manila International Airport, now the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

“His profound love of country has inspired a revolution that altered the course of our nation’s history and gave birth to the freedoms we enjoy today,” Duterte said.

Aquino was one of the staunchest critics of Marcos during the martial law years who became the voice of the opposition against the human rights abuses under the late dictator’s regime.

Duterte said the Philippines needs more citizens like Ninoy.

“In this time of real and lasting change, we need more citizens like him so we can steer our country towards the direction where a brighter and better future awaits us all,” he said.

“This can only be achieved if we work together to institute meaningful reforms that will put an end to the many social ills that have obstructed our path towards becoming a mature and stable democracy,” he added.

The President also urged government leaders to emulate Aquino’s dedication to in serving country.

“May his dedication to his cause serve as a guidepost his our current leaders in government as they advance the welfare of our people, especially the oppressed and marginalized,” he said.

He urged Filipinos to take the Ninoy Aquino Day an “opportunity to reflect on his sacrifice as we honor the courage and patriotism that Ninoy demonstrated during his struggle.” /cbb

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