Cayetano on Ninoy Aquino reference: No family holds monopoly on his name

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Alan Peter Cayetano defended his references to late opposition leader Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., saying no family holds an exclusive claim to Aquino’s legacy.

In a lengthy social media post on Saturday evening, Cayetano clarified that he does not equate himself with Aquino or other national heroes like Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio.

Instead, he said he only identifies with what they fought for.

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“So let me be clear about Ninoy. No family holds a monopoly on his name because no one holds a monopoly on heroism. Heroism is not inherited; it is earned,” Cayetano said.

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These remarks came as the senator was criticized by a progressive group, calling his recent invocation of Aquino and the iconic “Laban” sign during his Facebook live on Friday as “laughable, insulting and delusional.”

The senator likewise defended ongoing Senate inquiries into flood control projects.

“We believe the Filipino people have the right to know what was done with their money, and what was done in their name,” he said.

Cayetano also mentioned fellow senators who, he said, shared his commitment to a “fair and impartial” impeachment process and flood control investigation.

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“That is the conviction shared by Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda and Senators Pia Cayetano, Joel Villanueva, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, Jinggoy Estrada, Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, Bong Go, and Mark and Camille Villar,” he said.

“Together, we have refused to let the flood control investigation be buried,” he added. /apl

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