Ninoy, the model political leader

Today is Nov.27, the 93rd birthday of Ninoy Aquino, our national hero who can be the role model for our political leaders today.I always remember him as one of the great personalities who once made the Philippine Senate a bulwark of democracy and a gathering of visionary national leaders.

- ELFREN S. CRUZ

There was a period in our history when the opposition in the Senate was comprised of men of stature. Even during the presidency of the very popular Ramon Magsaysay, the Senate opposition was led by two intellectual giants, senators Claro M. Recto and Lorenzo Tañada.

Their speeches spoke of differences in the political philosophies and national visions from that of the administration at the time. I do not think anybody will attribute their role in history to the committees they chaired or the projects they funded through their pork barrel.

After Recto’s retirement, Tañada was joined by his fellow LaSallian, senator Jose W. Diokno. Together with other opposition senators, they showed that it was possible to have brilliant politicians who also possessed personal integrity and would fight for social justice and equal opportunity for all.

During the first Marcos presidency, prior to the martial law years, the opposition included leaders like Gerry Roxas and Soc Rodrigo.