1. What type of document is this?
This is a political speech (undelivered), prepared as a public statement by Senator Benigno "Ninoy"
Aquino Jr. upon his planned return to the Philippines in 1983.
2. What is the date of the speech?
The exact date is August 21, 1983, the day Aquino was assassinated at the Manila International Airport
(now NAIA).

Clue: The speech references Aquino’s three-year exile in the United States for a heart bypass
surgery, which happened in 1980.
3. Where was the speech intended to be delivered?
It was intended to be delivered at the Manila International Airport, upon his return to the Philippines
from exile in the U.S.
4. Who is the author, and what evidence supports your identification?
The author is Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.

Evidence: The text directly references Aquino’s life (exile in the U.S. for a heart bypass, his
subversion cases, and death sentence), all of which are historically associated with him.
5. Who was the intended audience? How do you know?
The intended audience was the Filipino people, government authorities, and the international
community.

He addresses “the Filipino” directly several times.

He challenges the Marcos regime (“Order my immediate execution or set me free”), meaning it
was also directed at the government.

His use of international references (Gandhi, MacLeish) suggests he wanted to influence world
opinion.
6. What is the speech’s main purpose? Justify your answer.
The main purpose was to call for national reconciliation, restoration of democracy, and justice in the
Philippines under the Marcos dictatorship.

Justification: He explicitly outlines conditions for unity, rejects dictatorship, and stresses that
peace must be founded on justice, democracy, and freedom.
7. What is the most crucial information conveyed, and why?
The most crucial information is his willingness to sacrifice his life for freedom and democracy.

He says: “I am prepared for the worst… Order my immediate execution or set me free.”

This highlights the seriousness of his struggle and his readiness for martyrdom, which later
became reality when he was assassinated.
8. What is the overall tone of the speech?
The tone is defiant yet conciliatory, courageous, and prophetic.

Defiant: He openly challenges the dictatorship.

Conciliatory: He calls for national reconciliation and peaceful solutions.

Prophetic: He foresees his possible death and stresses sacrifice for freedom.
9. Is the author’s perspective objective? Explain.
No, it is not entirely objective—it is a personal, political, and moral appeal.

He writes as a political leader and opposition figure, expressing personal conviction and
advocacy rather than neutral observation.

However, his arguments are reasoned and supported with historical, political, and philosophical
references, which give it credibility.
10. What is the relationship between the author and the audience?
The relationship is that of a leader to his people and a patriot to his nation.

Aquino positions himself as a servant and defender of Filipino rights.

He appeals to shared suffering (“to suffer with his people”) and collective hope.

With the government, his relationship is confrontational, demanding justice and freedom.