The grandson of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., urged Vice President Sara Duterte to refrain from involving the Aquino name in her ongoing dispute with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Kiko Aquino Dee expressed concern that the values and principles of the Aquino family, particularly those upheld by his grandfather, do not align with current political narratives.
He requested that his family name be kept out of the political skirmish between Duterte and Marcos.
Ninoy Aquino, an iconic figure in Philippine history, is remembered for his opposition to the Marcos dictatorship and his advocacy for democracy.
Assassinated in 1983, his legacy remains prominent in Philippine politics. His death sparked widespread protests and eventually led to the EDSA People Power Revolution, which ended the authoritarian regime of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
The conflict between the two highest official in the Philippines reached a point when Duterte publicly accused the Marcos family of involvement in her father’s alleged assassination.
President Marcos responded by denying the accusations and calling for restraint in political discourse.
The Aquino family has expressed a desire to avoid being drawn into this contentious political battle.
Dee’s statement emphasizes the family’s commitment to upholding the values of peaceful resistance and democracy. He urged political leaders to focus on addressing pressing issues facing the nation, rather than perpetuating personal conflicts.