History post: Ninoy Aquino and 6 of the most interesting facts about him

- The Philippines is commemorating the death anniversary of Ninoy Aquino today

- The Palace already declared this day as a non-working holiday

- Here are some of the most interesting facts about Ninoy

PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed

Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. is undoubtedly considered by many as one of the greatest people that the Philippines had ever produced.

KAMI learned that the whole nation is commemorating his 36th death anniversary today and the Palace has already declared August 21 as a non-working holiday.

In the hope of orienting other people of some things about the former Senator. We have gathered 6 interesting facts about him that might tickle your curiosity:

1. Ninoy condemned Imelda Marcos in one of his best speeches

In 1969, Ninoy Aquino delivered one of the best speeches in his lifetime. The speech became controversial because he bravely denounced Imelda Marcos, the wife of former President Ferdinand Marcos, because of her pet project.

During that time, Ninoy was against the establishment of Cultural Center of the Philippines, which was worth P50-million pesos, because a lot of Filipinos were suffering from poverty. He even called the project as a “monument to shame” and dubbed Imelda as the Filipino version of Eva Peron, the famous spouse of Argentine dictator Juan Peron.

Because of the speech, Ferdinand Marcos responded and even called Ninoy as a “congenital liar.” He also did not like how the former Senator involved his wife in their rivalry.

2. He was wearing a bullet-proof vest when he returned to the Philippines

Ninoy Aquino was actually wearing a bullet-proof vest during the day when he was assassinated. He told the media about this ahead his flight back to the Philippines.

However, the husband of Cory Aquino said that the vest was just good for the body and it would not spare his head from getting shot.

3. He already foresaw Martial Law four years ahead of its implementation

Ninoy Aquino delivered a privilege speech at the Senate during his first year as a lawmaker. He mentioned that Marcos was planning to increase the salary of those in the armed forces in the aim of establishing a “garrison state.”

He also expressed that the then-President was planning to keep his generals in service and was hoping to militarize civilian offices.

Four years after, Marcos declared Martial Law and Ninoy became the first person to be halted by the authorities.

PAY ATTENTION: Submit to info@kami.com.ph your personal story, along with related photos or videos, and get a chance to make an impact on other people’s lives! If your story gets chosen, our video team will make a special feature about it so that others can be inspired by your journey.

4. Reports said Ninoy may have been still alive after the tragic shooting

Several reports claimed that Ninoy Aquino was still alive when he was brought inside the van of Aviation Security Command.

Harvard-trained pathologist Juanito Billote claimed that there were wounds on the head of Ninoy, which were caused by strong hits from a blunt instrument.

In a report by GMA News, the Sandiganbayan acquitted all the accused but the case was re-opened after the fall of Marcos. During the time of Corazon Aquino, the Sandiganbayan reversed its initial decision and it ruled that 16 military men were guilty of the crime.

5. Ninoy used another name

According to Filipinoknow.net, Ninoy used another name to come back to the Philippines. He was aware that the government of Marcos would reject a passport request under his name so he tapped the help of some friends to get a new one.

After the attempt, the famous politician was able to carry two passports: one was named after him and the other was bearing the name ““Marcial Bonifacio.”

PAY ATTENTION: Using free basics app to access internet for free? Now you can read KAMI news there too. Use the search option to find us. Read KAMI news while saving your data!

6. The former Senator was an average student

Although Ninoy was an eloquent and brilliant speaker, he considered himself as an average student. He studied high school in San Beda and his grades did not go above 90. He also did not acquire a grade below 70 when he was still studying.

Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news!

When you try to recall the Patriotic Oath or “Panatang Makabayan” but life is hard. Searching for proudly Filipinos ready to recite the Patriotic Oath. Can they remember the full text? Watch the entertaining video below. - on HumanMeter!

Source: KAMI.com.gh