Members of the August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM) on Sunday criticized Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s use of the historic “Laban” hand sign, arguing that the symbol should not be appropriated in the ongoing Senate leadership dispute.
ATOM, which was formed following the assassination of former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. in 1983, gathered at the Ninoy Aquino Monument in Makati City to protest what it described as the misuse of a symbol associated with the struggle against the dictatorship of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
ATOM President Volt Bohol said the group felt compelled to speak out after Cayetano used the sign and made statements invoking the legacy of the opposition movement.
“With all due respect to Senator Cayetano, we thank him for making the sign visible again, but it is for the wrong reasons,” Bohol said.
The group previously described Cayetano’s comparison of his political situation to Aquino’s struggle as “at the very least, laughable, at the very most, highly insulting.”
Bohol also suggested that efforts by some political figures to invoke the symbolism of the anti-Marcos movement may be part of a broader attempt to position themselves as part of the opposition.
In a statement issued Saturday, Cayetano defended his references to Aquino and the People Power movement, saying no individual or family holds a monopoly on heroism.
“I do not compare myself, or our group, to them — but I do identify with what they fought for,” Cayetano said.
The senator added that he believes the struggle for truth and accountability remains unfinished.
ATOM, however, rejected that argument, citing recent controversies involving the Senate, including the leadership dispute and the events surrounding Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.
Historian Xiao Chua said the “Laban” sign originated during the 1978 parliamentary elections when Aquino ran under the Lakas ng Bayan (LABAN) political party.
