Ballsy Aquino Cruz, the eldest of the children of democracy icon Cory Aquino and elder sister of PNoy, greets supporters after Mass. (Photo by Gil Nartea)
The Mass at Manila Memorial Park last June 24 marking the third death anniversary of President Noynoy Aquino was made more significant by news of weeks past—the incessant tension in West Philippine Sea. This rubbed in all the more the absence of PNoy, the 15th president of the Philippines who, against all odds, fought for the sovereignty of the country in the maritime territories. Family, friends, and loyal supporters of Aquino, who gathered, missed him all the more.
Former Senator Leila de Lima, with members of the Aquino Cabinet, attended the Mass before heading to the Muntinlupa regional trial court for the promulgation of her final drug case. Hours later, the court granted De Lima’s petition for demurrer which cleared her of the charge of conspiracy to commit drug trading.
Ballsy Aquino Cruz, the eldest of the children of democracy icon Cory Aquino and elder sister of PNoy, greets supporters after Mass. (Photo by Gil Nartea)
Former senator Leila de Lima at Manila Memorial Park Mass, hours before the court ruling vindicating her (Photo by Gil Nartea)
It was the first time that de Lima was able to attend Mass for the late president; she has spent the past seven years in detention on trumped up drug charges filed against her by the Duterte administration.
Aquino, the only son of the country’s democracy icons, Ninoy and Cory Aquino, served as the country’s president from 2010-2016. He was only 61 years old when he died of renal failure on June 24, 2021.
Monday’s Mass was officiated by former Ateneo de Manila University president, Fr. Jett Villarin, SJ, a good friend and former classmate of the late president. In his homily that centered on the baptism of John the Baptist, Father Villarin pointed out how water could represent not only cleansing or rebirth but also risks, uncertainty, and death, how going out to sea could put one in the midst of storm and danger. Pretty much like the destiny that PNoy faced with courage and nobility, one thought.
In a brief message after Mass, Kiko Aquino Dee, a nephew of Aquino, recalled the late leader’s principle of “right makes might.”
“This was often used in the context of our rights over the West Philippine Sea: Rather than submitting to those with greater power, Tito Noy used the justness of the Philippine cause to improve our position, ultimately resulting in the 2016 arbitral ruling that continues to be vital in asserting our rights today,” Dee said.
Dee is deputy executive director of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF).
Dee cited several moves of his uncle that showed “right is might” principle that contributed to the country’s growth and development during his term.
“’Kung walang kurap, walang mahirap’ created an atmosphere of good governance that allowed our economy to flourish beyond his term. And if it’s in my place to say, I think the struggle for justice of Senator de Lima is also an example of this,” Dee said.
The full text of Dee’s message:
Good morning everyone.
On behalf of the family, I’d like to thank Fr. Jett, the NCAF staff and music ministry, and everyone who made this Mass possible for the 3rd anniversary of Tito Noy’s passing.
Between current events and the work we’ve been doing for the Aquino Center, I’ve been thinking a lot of the phrase: “Right makes might.” This was often used in the context of our rights over the West Philippine Sea: Rather than submitting to those with greater power, Tito Noy used the justness of the Philippine cause to improve our position, ultimately resulting in the 2016 arbitral ruling that continues to be vital in asserting our rights today.
“Right makes might” goes beyond the West Philippine Sea. His insistence on honesty and respect for the Constitution led to the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, a major step in the peace process when things had seemed hopeless five years prior. “Kung walang kurap, walang mahirap” created an atmosphere of good governance that allowed our economy to flourish beyond his term. And if it’s in my place to say, I think the struggle for justice of Senator de Lima is also an example of this.
But in between all of that was the painstaking process of turning right into might. Fierce debate went into figuring out what the right legal, diplomatic, and military strategy for the West Philippine Sea. Precedent was thrown out the window with the secret meeting in Japan that revived the peace talks with the MILF. And many eggs were broken to show that he was serious about “daang matuwid.”
We generally do our best to choose right over wrong in our lives. But more than that, may we find in Tito Noy’s example our own ways to turn that right into might in the service or our fellow Filipinos.
Thank you everyone for coming today.
