August 25, 1973
Fort Bonifacio
11:30pm
"You are my only son. You carry my name and the name of my father. I have no
material wealth to leave you. I never had time to make money while I was in
the hire of our people. For this I am very sorry. I had hopes of building a
little nest egg for you. I bought a ranch in Masbate in the hope that after
ten or fifteen years, the coconut trees I planted there would be yielding
enough to assure you a modest but comfortable existence. Unfortunately, I had
to sell all our properties as I fought battle after political battle as a
beleaguered member of the opposition. And after the last battle, I had more
obligations than assets.
The only valuable asset I can bequeath to you now is the name you carry. I
have tried my best during my years of public service to keep that name
untarnished and respected, unmarked by sorry compromises for expediency. I now
pass it on to you, as good, I pray, as when my father, your grandfather passed
it on to me.
I prepared a statement which I intend to read before the military commission
on Monday at the opening of my trial. I hope the commission members will be
understanding and kind enough to allow me to read my statement into the
record. This may well be my first and only participation in the entire
proceedings.
In this statement, I said: Some people suggested that I beg for mercy from the
present powers that be. Son, this I cannot do in conscience. I would rather
die on my feet with honor, than live on bended knees in shame.
Your great grandfather, Gen. Servilliano Aquino was twice condemned to death
by both the Spaniards and the American colonizers. Fortunately, he survived
both by a twist of fate. Your grandfather, my father was also imprisoned by
the Americans because he loved his people more than the Americans who
colonized us. He was finally vindicated. Our ancestors have shared the pains,
the sorrows and the anguish of Mother Filipinas when she was in bondage.
It is a rare privilege for me to join the Motherland in the dark dungeon where
she was led back by one of her own sons whom she lavished with love and glory.
I ended my statement thus: I have chosen to follow my conscience and accept
the tyrant's revenge.
It takes little effort to stop a tyrant. I have no doubt in the ultimate
victory of right over wrong, of evil over good, in the awakening of the
Filipino.
Forgive me for passing unto your young shoulders the great responsibility for
our family. I trust you will love your mother and your sisters and lavish them
with the care and protection I would have given them.
I was barely fifteen years old when my father died. His death was my most
traumatic experience. I loved and hero-worshipped him so much, I wanted to
join him in his grave when he passed away. But as in all sorrows, eventually
they are washed away by the rains of time.
In the coming years, I hope you will study very hard so that you will have a
solid foundation on which to build your future. I may no longer be around to
give you my fatherly advice. I have asked many of your uncles to help you
along should the need arise and I pray you will have the humility to drink
from their fountain of experiences.
Look after your two younger sisters with understanding and affection. Viel and
Krissy will need your umbrella of protection for a long time. Krissy is still
very young and fate has been most unkind to both of us. Our parting came too
soon. Please make up for me. Take care of her as I would have taken care of
her with patience and warm affection.
Finally, stand by your mother as she stood beside me through the buffeting
winds of crisis and uncertainties firm and resolute and uncowed. I pray to
God, you inherit her indomitable spirit and her rare brand of silent courage.
I had hopes of introducing you to my friends, showing you the world and guide
you through the maze of survival. I am afraid, you will now have to go it
alone without your guide.
The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience.
There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people
than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all
your strength.
Son, the ball is now in your hands.
Lovingly,
Dad"
I made a WISE vote.. I voted for NOY2x..
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