Ninoy Aquino

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Ninoy Aquino

Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. (November 27, 1932 – August 21, 1983) was a Filipino politician who served as a Senator of the Philippines and was a leading figure in the opposition to the rule of Ferdinand Marcos. His assassination in 1983 sparked widespread protests and led to the People Power Revolution in 1986, which ultimately resulted in the ousting of Marcos and the restoration of democracy in the Philippines.

Early Life and Education

Ninoy Aquino was born on November 27, 1932, in Concepcion, Tarlac, to a prominent political family. His father, Benigno Aquino Sr., was a former Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines. Ninoy attended Ateneo de Manila University for his elementary education and later studied at San Beda College for his secondary education. He pursued higher education at the University of the Philippines and later at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Political Career

Aquino began his political career as the youngest mayor of Concepcion, Tarlac at the age of 22. He later became the youngest vice-governor and then governor of Tarlac. In 1967, he was elected as a Senator of the Philippines, where he became known for his eloquent speeches and opposition to the Marcos administration.

Martial Law and Imprisonment

In 1972, President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law, and Aquino was among the first to be arrested and imprisoned. He spent seven years in prison, during which he continued to write and communicate with his supporters. In 1980, he was allowed to go to the United States for medical treatment after suffering a heart attack.

Assassination

On August 21, 1983, Aquino returned to the Philippines despite warnings of danger. Upon his arrival at Manila International Airport, he was assassinated. His death shocked the nation and led to massive protests against the Marcos regime. The airport was later renamed Ninoy Aquino International Airport in his honor.

Legacy

Ninoy Aquino is remembered as a martyr for democracy in the Philippines. His death galvanized the opposition and led to the People Power Revolution in 1986, which saw the end of Marcos' rule and the beginning of a new era of democratic governance. His widow, Corazon Aquino, became the 11th President of the Philippines, and his son, Benigno Aquino III, served as the 15th President.

Personal Life

Ninoy Aquino was married to Corazon Aquino, and they had five children: Benigno Aquino III, Maria Elena Aquino-Cruz, Aurora Corazon Aquino-Abellada, Victoria Elisa Aquino-Dee, and Kristina Bernadette Aquino.

See Also

• People Power Revolution
• Ferdinand Marcos
• Corazon Aquino
• Benigno Aquino III
• Ninoy Aquino International Airport