The Honorable Benigno S. Aquino Jr. |
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Senator of the Philippines | |
In office December 30, 1967 – September 23, 1972 |
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Presidential Adviser on Defense Affairs | |
In office 1949–1954 |
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Governor of Tarlac | |
In office February 17, 1961 – December 30, 1967 |
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Vice Governor of Tarlac | |
In office December 30, 1959 – February 15, 1961 |
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Mayor of Concepcion, Tarlac | |
In office December 30, 1955 – December 30, 1959 |
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Personal details | |
Born |
Benigno Simeon Aquino Jr. November 27, 1932 Concepcion, Tarlac, Philippine Islands |
Died | August 21, 1983 Manila International Airport, Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines |
(aged 50)
Cause of death | Assassinated |
Resting place | Manila Memorial Park, Sucat Road, Sucat, Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines |
Nationality | Filipino |
Political party |
Liberal (1959–1983) LABAN (1978–1983) |
Other political affiliations |
Nacionalista Party (1955–1959) |
Spouse(s) | Corazon Cojuangco (m. 1954) |
Relations | Aquino family |
Children | 5, including Noynoy and Kris |
Residence | Times Street, Quezon City |
Alma mater |
University of the Philippines Ateneo de Manila University San Beda College High School St. Joseph's College, Quezon City |
Occupation | Politician |
Profession | Journalist |
Benigno Simeon "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. (November 27, 1932 – August 21, 1983) was the former husband of former Philippine President Corazon Aquino and father of former Philippine President Benigno Aquino III. Aquino, together with Gerry Roxas and Jovito Salonga, formed the leadership of the opposition towards Ferdinand Marcos. Shortly after the imposition of martial law, he was arrested in 1972 along with others associated with the Communists armed insurgency and incarcerated for seven years. He founded his own party Lakas ng Bayan and ran for the Philippine parliamentary election, 1978, but all of the party's candidates including Ninoy lost in the election. In 1980 Aquino was permitted by Marcos to travel to the United States for medical treatment following a heart attack, despite being sentenced to death by a military commission on charges of murder, illegal possession of firearms and subversion. He was assassinated at the Manila International Airport in 1983 upon returning from his self-imposed exile. His death catapulted his widow, Corazon, into the political limelight, and prompted her to run for president as member of the UNIDO party in the 1986 snap elections.
Among other public structures, Manila International Airport has since been renamed Ninoy Aquino International Airport in his honour, and the anniversary of his death is a national holiday.