Ninoy’s grandson: Keep Aquino family out of Duterte-Marcos discord

The grandson of late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. has asked that their family be kept out of the issues surrounding the Duterte and Marcos families.

In the celebration of Ninoy’s 92nd birthday on Wednesday, Ivan Mayrina reported on "24 Oras" that some supporters offered flowers at his tomb in the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City.

In Tarlac City, some guests were given a chance to view the Aquino Center and Museum, which is being renovated. The center houses the memorabilia of Ninoy, his wife former President Corazon Aquino, and his son former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

The assassination of Ninoy Aquino was recently raised by Vice President Sara Duterte when she connected the incident to the Marcos family.

“Pumalag nga yung bayan nung pinatay ng pamilya nila si Benigno Aquino Jr.,” Duterte had said.

(The country reacted when the Marcos family killed Benigno Aquino Jr.)

Kiko Aquino Dee, Ninoy’s grandson, asked that his family not be mentioned amid the ongoing feud.

“Sana tigilan niyo yan para sa bayan, 'wag kayong manggulo kasi naghihirap yung mga Pilipino. Specifically, sa pamilya ko sana 'wag na rin banggitin yun. Kung di kayo naniniwala na mahalaga 'yung karapatang pantao, kung hindi kayo naniniwala na mahalaga 'yung demokrasya, at saka 'yung Constitution natin, 'wag na niya banggitin yung pangalan ni Lolo Ninoy,” he said.

(For the country, I hope they don’t cause disturbance because Filipinos are suffering. Specifically, I hope they do not mention our family. If you do not believe in the value of human rights, if you do not believe in the importance of democracy and the Constitution, do not mention the name of my grandfather Ninoy.)

“Ang turing ko sa mga Duterte, sa mga Marcos pareho sila — dalawang ulo sila ng parehong halimaw. Ang basa ko dalawa silang nagpapahirap sa bayan na marami silang pinatay nung panahon ni Marcos Sr., nung panahon ni Duterte,” he added.

(The Duterte and Marcos families are the same. They are two heads of the same monster. They make people suffer. They killed many during the time of Marcos Sr. and during the time of Rodrigo Duterte.)

When asked for her reaction to Dee’s statement, the Vice President declined to issue a comment.

“Wag na tayong mag-comment sa mga apo kasi natural sa mga anak at apo ang affinity sa mga magulang at grandparents. So 'wag na natin sagutin yan,” she said.

(I will not comment on his statement because it’s natural for children and grandchildren have an affinity towards their parents and grandparents. So let’s not answer that.)

GMA Integrated News has reached out to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family for their comment, but they have yet to reply.

However, the President had earlier denied that their family was behind the assassination of Ninoy Aquino. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA Integrated News