Ninoy wrote his son Noynoy a letter from his detention cell in Fort Bonifacio.

Ninoy wrote,

“You are my only son. You carry my name and the name of my father. I have no material wealth to leave you. I never had time to make money while I was in the hire of our people. For this I am very sorry.

“The only valuable asset I can bequeath to you is the name you carry. I have tried my best during my years of public service to keep that name
untarnished and respected, unmarked by sorry compromises for expediency. I now passed it on to you, as good, I pray, as when my father, your
grandfather passed it on to me.

“Forgive me for passing unto your young shoulders the great responsibility for our family. I trust you will love your mother and your sisters and
lavish them with the care and protection I would have given them.”

Ninoy concluded his letter by saying: “The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience. There is no greater nation on earth
than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength. Lovingly,

Dad.”