We join the Filipino nation in commemorating Ninoy Aquino Day.

Despite situations and challenges that have dimmed democracy throughout our history, our democratic spirit has never wavered due to the courage, determination, and will of individuals such as Ninoy Aquino.

His legacy, and those of others who have fought for our democratic ideals, continues in igniting the spirit of nationalism and heroism among us.

With the Duterte administration’s firm commitment to upholding and preserving democracy, our responsibility to address and fight our nation's social ills, especially as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, has never been more important than at this very moment.

Let’s be reminded of our democratic freedom to act and to decide, and let it not be driven by our individual aims, but by our collective goal of development and recovery from COVID-19.

May this occasion remind us of our duty and commitment to protecting the freedoms it has given all of us.

SEC. MARTIN M. ANDANAR

Manila, 21 August 2021