The late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino Jr. has been revered as a Filipino National Hero, one of only three to be recognized by the national government. He was also, for decades, been famously known as the arch nemesis of then strongman and dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos who ruled the Philippines for 20 years. The world watched as the two of the most brilliant minds in Philippine politics go head to head to a collision course that would lead to a momentous revolution, one kind that the world would see for the first time. Ninoy was also labeled, among many things, as the Greatest President the Philippines never had, as famously pronounced by the great statesman Jovito Salonga.
He was also proclaimed as the most Charismatic and Dynamic Opposition leader of his time – the Wonder Boy of Philippine politics. Youngest War Correspondent at age 17, youngest Mayor at age 23, youngest Vice Governor – then Governor of Tarlac, and believed to be destined to become the youngest President if Marcos hadn’t imposed Martial Law in 1971 and ruled by decree.
He was also accused of being a Communist, in relation to his (and then Opposition) seemingly sympathetic alliance with the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing the New People’s Army. One accusation which was used by Marcos to imprison him for 7 years, making him Prisoner Alpha on the very wake of Martial Rule. Although time and again, Ninoy would reiterate to the public that, “I am not a Communist. Never was, never will be.”
But aside from the many things Ninoy was called, either by his supporters or critics, there is one thing that was widely missed in his persona and ideals.
That of which him being a Christian Socialist. Continue reading



