Reflective Analyses On Si Ninoy Naman: Bicol University College of Social Sciences and Philosophy Daraga, Albay

BICOL UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND PHILOSOPHY

Daraga, Albay
REFLECTIVE ANALYSES ON
SI NINOY NAMAN
Submitted by:
Aculan, Omar L.
AB Political Science – 1B
Reflection on SI NINOY NAMAN
Ang Trapo na Hero, ang Hero na naging Bayani
By Professor Michael Xiao B. Chua
Truly, Ninoy Aquino played a huge role in reclaiming the freedom that was once enjoyed by
the Filipino people. As erroneous as it may be to give him the credit for starting the revolution, one
cannot negate the truth to the matter that his life inspired many individuals to act up. More than his
imminent death, we must delve into the realms of his life to get to know the driving force and roots
of his exceptional courage and unconditional love for the country, which led him to verbalize the
famous saying, “The Filipinos are worth dying for.”
Reminiscing the life of Ninoy in prison is focal to understanding the person he came to be in
his latter years. In congruence with Chua’s words, Ninoy’s entire life is a process towards heroism.
His transformation is brimming with life lessons we can partake. As mentioned in the previous
reflection, Ninoy’s solitary confinement in Laur was the zenith of all his sorrowful encounters. This
is where he had a realization about himself and his mission in this world. He forgot all worldly
possessions, abandoned his old lifestyle, and offered himself to be a voice of truth and defender of
freedom. He went back to the Creator and sought for strength and determination. Ninoy became a
humbled man, farfetched from his previous image, which radiated boastfulness and excessive self-
confidence. He also introduced the concept of non-violent resistance, an idea supported by many
peace advocates around the globe, including Mahatma Gandhi, who also became one of his
inspirations while behind bars. This principle is truly beautiful, for it teaches us that violence is not
the answer to end oppression and transgression. Despite their wrongdoings, we must continue to
show compassion and affection towards others. It is only through empathy that one feels
understood, and he subsequently admits to his shortcomings, is forgiven, and leads himself to
change. This also became the motivator of the People Power Revolution. During this peaceful revolt,
one cannot see a person holding a gun, a sword, or any form of weapon. No one challenged another
to fight or kill. The participators expressed their concerns and demands through nonviolent means.
There is a certain level of truth to the argument that the EDSA did not bring change to our
country. Over the past decades or so, our national debt had ballooned, Filipinos had starved to
death in hunger, and hundreds of thousands of individuals had remained out of work. The absence
of equilibrium is still evident today. Nevertheless, if we were to recall another aspect of the
revolution, we will be able to learn and ponder on the spirit and ideology that more than two
million people shared on that faithful day. The People Power speaks of the innate, yet enigmatic
potency a group of people withheld, while fighting for justice, peace, and liberty. It is a reflection of
the exemplary characteristics of the Filipinos. The EDSA shows us that if we will fight hand-in-hand
to achieve our common goal with a pure heart and clean intention, triumph will surely be ours.
Many of the administration’s loyal followers ostracize the critics of the government. “Bakit hindi na
lang kayo sumunod?”, “Mas magaling pa kayo sa presidente!”, and many more redundant scripts are
thrown at progressive groups and individuals whose primary agendum is to air their concerns
regarding anomalies and discrepancies of public officials. The answer to their repetitive queries lie
on the focal concept of the EDSA Revolution, the uprising, which was not started by Ninoy nor
because of his death, but rather was influenced by his life, turning point, and philosophies he
instilled in our minds. This proved to be the success of the entire nation, not only the two million
participants, and certainly not solely the Aquinos. As citizens of our country, we deserve
accountability and liability from our government. It is through our votes that they won their
positions, therefore, it is fitting that we demand from them what they have promised. This is yet
another of Ninoy’s numerous legacies he left to us. We must not be afraid to become the voice of
truth even if it means putting our lives at stake, for a life with purpose is far better than a death
without meaning.
Ninoy Aquino’s life is a representation of the plight of every Filipino. His story tells us that
we do not need to be perfect to do good for others. More often than not, our mistakes and
shortcomings help mold us to become stronger and wiser individuals. We awaken to the realities of
life and realize our mission here on Earth. Thus, everyone of us is capable of redeeming ourselves.
We may have stumbled on our way towards the path of illumination, what matters is that we rise
again every after fall. Everyone of us has the capacity to contribute to the welfare of our society.
And so, the challenge to us is to make someone like Ninoy a role model to facilitate our personal
change, in order that we may influence the lives of others.

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BICOL UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND PHILOSOPHY

Ang Trapo na Hero, ang Hero na naging Bayani

By Professor Michael Xiao B. Chua

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