Senator Bam Aquino shares the last love letter Ninoy Aquino wrote for Cory Aquino.
Late Senator Ninoy Aquino wrote this letter for his wife, late President Cory Aquino – the last letter he wrote for her before he died.
Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and Corazon “Cory” Aquino are the icons of democracy in the country. They are a match made in heaven that brought freedom to the people of the Philippines. They fought and stood up for the people, and they are always remembered this way.
Ninoy was charismatic, eloquent, and seen by many as a future president. However, a tragic incident happened on August 21, 1983. He was shot at the Manila International Airport (now named Ninoy Aquino International Airport), and his death paved the way for widespread protests and became a turning point in the fight against dictatorship.
Cory, on the other hand, was his wife, who continued his legacy. After Ninoy’s death, the Filipino people rallied behind her and won against Ferdinand Marcos in the snap elections. However, despite the fraud, she stepped aside, but the people had had enough, leading to the historic EDSA People Power Revolution. This revolution ousted Marcos, who led the country as a dictator for decades.
Behind this heroic story about them, they share a love admired by many, and recently, as the country commemorated the 42nd death anniversary of the late senator, Senator Bam Aquino shared the last letter he sent to his wife.
The love letter did not just show the senator’s eloquence when it comes to words, but it expressed his whole heart and entire love for the woman who stayed beside him always until he died.
It spoke farewell, acceptance of fate, sacrifice for the country, and of faith and hope. In the same letter, he expressed that he might not able to leave material wealth to their children, but he intended to leave them something that would last forever.
Read the full message transcribed in the letter:
My Dearest Cory,
In a few hours I shall be embarking on an uncertain fate, which may well be the end of a long struggle. I slept well last night for the first time since I left Boston – maybe because I’m just plain tired or I’m really at peace with myself. I want to tell you many things but time is running out and I do not have any machine. After a few more paragraphs, my penmanship will be illegible.
All the things I want to tell you may be capsulized in one line – I love you! You’ve stood by me in my most trying moments and there were times I was very hard on you. But if anyone will ever understand me, it is you, and I know you will always find it in your heart to forgive – and unfair and ironic as it is – it is because of this thought and belief that I often took you for granted.
Early on I knew I was not meant to make money – so I won’t be able to leave anything to the children. I did what I thought I could do best, which is public service, and I hope our people in time will appreciate my sacrifices. This would be my legacy to the children. I may not bequeath them material wealth but I leave them a tradition which can be priceless.
I realize I’ve been very stingy with praise and appreciation for all your efforts – but though unsaid – you know that as far I’m concerned, you are the best. That’s why we’ve lasted this long. There will only be one thing in the world I will never accept – that you love me more than I love you – because my love for you though unarticulated will never be equaled.
If all goes well I should be back in my cell before sundown. Should I be detained do not rush to get home. Take your time and enjoy a side trip to Europe with the girls. I’ll try to call you tonight if the authorities will allow me.
Otherwise just remember me in your dreams.
Love, Ninoy
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