Press Release
February 26, 2010

URGES YELLOW ARMY TO GUARD THE VOTE, ENSURE VICTORY IN MAY
AQUINO CALLS FOR PEOPLE POWER TO END REGIME OF CORRUPTION

Liberal Party standard bearer Sen. Noynoy Aquino yesterday sounded the call for people power to end the regime of corruption which has kept millions of Filipinos hungry, jobless, and out of school.

In his strongest attack yet against the administration of President Arroyo, the 50-year old senator from Tarlac challenged thousands of supporters to oust cheaters, liars, and thieves from power in the coming May elections.

"Noong 2000, nanaig muli and korapsyon sa pamahalaan. Nanindigan tayong muli at nagkaroon ng pangalawang People Power, ngunit ano ang ginawa ng ating niluklok na Pangulo?" he asked the multitude gathered at Araneta Coliseum to celebrate the 24th anniversary of EDSA People Power.

"Ngayon, naghahari na naman ang mga sumunod sa yapak ng nangahas (the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos). Kayong nandito, naninindigan at nagbibigay-babala sa mga mapangahas-Tayo ay kikilos upang makamit ang tagumpay," Aquino vowed to a great roar from the assembly.

In his speech, Aquino narrated how the hardships his family underwent when Marcos imposed martial law and jailed his father, then opposition Sen. Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino, Jr., on September 23 1972.

As the only son of Ninoy, he recalled how he could not do anything to defend the dignity of his mother and four sisters who had to undergo a strip search every time they visited his father in jail.

"Nasubukan na po ba ninyo na makulong ng Pasko at Bagong Taon para lang makapiling ang inyong mahal sa buhay na walang sala?" he asked. "Nakaranas na ba kayo maging Kuya at Tatay sa mga kapatid na babae sa murang edad?"

The sacrifices he and his family endured during Marcos' 20-year strongman rule forged his character and personality, Aquino said.

He also expressed deep thanks for the love and sympathy for his martyred father and former President Cory in her fight against the dictatorship and when she was in her death bed.

Aquino said the current regime has set aside the welfare of the majority to serve their selfish interests.

"Habang nangingibaw and ganitong palakad, palubog nang palubog ang buhay ng nakakaraming dukha at kapus-palad," he stressed.

"Kayong mga nandito, naninindigan at nagbibigay-babala sa mga mapangahas. Humanda na kayo sa araw ng pananagutan. Gumising na kayo sa katotohanan. Mulat na ang sambayanan," Aquino said.

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