By Azer N. Parrocha
MANILA, Aug. 21 (PNA) — For Bobby Aquino, the son of the late senator and uncle of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III, Agapito “Butz” Aquino, the gospel on Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.’s 32nd death anniversary was appropriate for the occasion.
“Today’s (Friday) gospel is about loving God with all our heart and loving our fellowmen,” Bobby said when asked to speak after a special mass held at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 Tarmac.
Friday’s gospel (Mt. 22:34-40) was about what Jesus Christ said were the two greatest commandments.
The mass, which was held beside the tarmac—the exact spot where Ninoy was shot and killed on Aug. 21, 1983—was also held in memoriam and thanksgiving to the late senator who overthrew dictatorship, and Butz Aquino.
“It may be a coincidence, but I learned (these two commandments) from the two gentlemen we are honoring,” he added, referring to the brothers Ninoy and Butz Aquino.
Bobby and his family attended the flowering offering and mass and at the same time received the Ninoy Aquino Medal of Valor on behalf of his father Butz, who passed away last Aug. 17.
Aside from Butz, who was also known for being founder of the August 21 Movement or ATOM, former vice president, senator and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary Teofisto Guingona Jr. was also a recipient of the same medal.
During his speech, Guingona spoke highly of his friend and schoolmate Ninoy, who he described as a man who was “not afraid to die.” He further said that Ninoy had values that were worth learning from.
Also present during the floral offering, mass and awarding ceremony were representatives from the Ninoy Aquino Movement (NAM), including its founding chairman and former senator Heherson Alvarez, as well as representatives from the Spirit of EDSA, and Chino Roces Foundation. (PNA)