On August 2, the Filipino community commemorates the life of Senator Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino Jr., thereby preserving his legacy. Prior to his untimely demise, Aquino was regarded as the leader of the advancement of modern Philippine democracy.
Today, August 21, is a crucial day in Filipino history, as it is Ninoy Aquino Day. This day was established in 2004 to honour the life and legacy of a cherished freedom hero. Filipinos remember the ultimate sacrifice made by Ninoy Aquino for the Filipino people.
Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. was an influential and inspiring political figure who fought for independence and a free democracy in the Philippines. Aquino, who had gone into exile following his release from prison for his opposition to then-president Ferdinand Marcos, intended to return to Philippine politics after serving time for his opposition. Tragically, he was murdered upon his 1983 return to the islands. Filipinos today recall Aquino’s famous statement, “The Filipino is worth dying for.”
On August 2, the Filipino community commemorates the life of Senator Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino Jr., thereby preserving his legacy. Prior to his untimely demise, Aquino was regarded as the leader of the advancement of modern Philippine democracy.
In 1972, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos imposed martial law, establishing himself as an autocrat. This law was enacted ostensibly to defend the country from civil disobedience and communism, but many people believe its true purpose was to secure Marcos’ dictatorship. During this time, the military imprisoned anyone who publicly challenged Marcos. Many public institutions were closed. The military committed violations of human rights, and the economy suffered severely.
When Senator Aquino began to publicly oppose Marcos, he met his measure. Aquino was imprisoned and permitted to move to the United States in 1980 for medical treatment after suffering a heart attack. However, he did not cease his efforts for the freedom of his people and continued to advocate for it in the United States.
In August 1983, Aquino resolved to return to his country in order to run against Marcos in the 1984 elections. He was cognizant of the risk but proceeded nonetheless. On August 21, upon landing at Manila International Airport, Aquino was murdered. Many believe that this was carried out on Marcos’ directives. Citizens’ outrage led to Marcos’s eventual downfall and the election of Aquino’s wife, Maria Corazón Aquino, to the presidency.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo proclaimed Ninoy Aquino Day in 2004 in remembrance of Aquino’s passing. The celebration also served to promote tourism in the Philippines.
Aquino was born into affluence in Tarlac, Philippines.
At the age of 17, he was the youngest combat correspondent covering the Korean combat for the “Manila Times.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs refused to issue Aquino a passport after he was exiled in 1979, so he had one manufactured under the alias “Marcial Bonifacio.”
At the age of nine, Aquino encountered his future wife, Cory Cojuangco, who also grew up in a wealthy family in Tarlac, at a birthday party.
During his seven-year imprisonment, Aquino read the novel “Born Again,” which led to his conversion to Christianity.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | August 21 | Monday |
| 2024 | August 21 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | August 21 | Thursday |
| 2026 | August 21 | Friday |
| 2027 | August 21 | Saturday |
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