Happy Birthday Ninoy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NINOY!

by Antonio C. Antonio

November 27, 2014

Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. (lovingly called “Ninoy” by his countrymen) was a Filipino Senator (from 1967 to 1972) and a former Mayor and Governor (of his hometown Concepcion and his province Tarlac respectively).  Aquino, together with former Senators Jovito Salonga, Lorenzo Tañada, Jose Diokno and Gerardo “Gerry” Roxas, formed the leadership of the opposition to the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos.  Right after Marcos imposed Martial Law in September 21, 1972, Ninoy was arrested and, along with other political leaders and dissidents, was incarcerated in different military camps.

After seven years and seven months of incarceration (in 1980), Senator Ninoy Aquino was permitted to travel to the United States for medical treatment.  Upon his return to his homeland in August 21, 1983, he was assassinated at the tarmac of the Manila International Airport.  His death catapulted his widow, Corazon C. Aquino, into the political limelight, and prompted her to run for President in the 1986 snap presidential election against the overly powerful Marcos.

Telegenic, intelligent and uncommonly articulate, Ninoy Aquino was recognized as the most prominent and most dynamic opposition leader in his generation; and perceived to be the next president of the Philippines after Marcos.  His death triggered the EDSA Revolution of February 1986 which drove away Marcos and restored the democratic processes in the country.

Thank you for loving our country in a manner only a true Filipino patriot could.  Incidentally, it’s his birthday today!... Happy Birthday Ninoy!

Just my little thoughts…

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