Cory Aquino

Cory Aquino
Airman Gerald B. Johnson · Public domain · source
Name	Maria Corazon "Cory" Cojuangco Aquino
Caption	Aquino in 1986
Birth date	January 25, 1933
Birth place	Tarlac, Philippine Islands
Death date	August 1, 2009
Death place	Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Nationality	Filipino
Spouse	Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.
Children	Paolo Benigno Aquino IV; Maria Elena Aquino-Cruz; Aurora Corazon Aquino-Abad; Kristina Bernadette Aquino; Victoria Elisa Aquino-Cruz
Occupation	Politician
Known for	11th President of the Philippines

Cory Aquino was a Filipino political leader who served as the 11th President of the Philippines from 1986 to 1992, becoming the first female president in Asia. She emerged as a unifying figure after the assassination of her husband Benigno Aquino Jr. and led a broad coalition against the authoritarian rule of Ferdinand Marcos. Aquino’s presidency oversaw the transition from the martial law era and the restoration of democratic institutions such as the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines. Her tenure and legacy influenced subsequent movements like the EDSA II protest and inspired leaders across Southeast Asia.

Early life and family

Aquino was born Maria Corazon Sumulong Cojuangco to members of prominent Philippine families: the Cojuangco family and the Sumulong family from Tarlac. Her father, José Cojuangco Sr., was a politician and landowner associated with Hacienda Luisita, while her mother, Demetria Sumulong, descended from the Sumulong political lineage linked to Antipolo. She attended Saint Scholastica's College and later studied at the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Bronxville, New York before returning to the Philippines and marrying Benigno Aquino Jr. in 1954. The couple’s life intersected with figures such as Ferdinand Marcos, Imelda Marcos, Jovito Salonga, Rafael Alunan, and members of the Liberal Party as Benigno’s senatorial and opposition activities intensified.

Political rise and 1986 People Power Revolution

Following the assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr. at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in 1983, Aquino became a center for opposition to the Marcos regime, forging alliances with groups including the United Nationalists Democratic Organization, the Lakas–CMD, church leaders from the Catholic Church in the Philippines, and civil society activists such as Leila de Lima (early human rights advocates), Jose W. Diokno, and Jovito Salonga. She ran as the opposition candidate against Ferdinand Marcos in the 1986 presidential snap election, with controversial results prompting parallel claims by the COMELEC and the opposition's NAMFREL. Accusations of electoral fraud led to mass demonstrations at EDSA, where military figures like Enrile and Fidel V. Ramos defected, joined by religious leaders including Cardinal Jaime Sin and international observers such as representatives from the United States and the Holy See. The peaceful mass action, later termed the People Power Revolution or EDSA I, resulted in Marcos fleeing to Hawaii and Aquino assuming the presidency in a revolutionary transfer of power.

Presidency (1986–1992)

Aquino’s administration convened a constitutional commission that drafted the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, restoring civil liberties and checks on executive power, while abolishing provisions associated with martial law. Her government faced challenges including coup attempts by military factions like those led by Gringo Honasan and Eduardo "Red" Kapunan, insurgencies from the New People’s Army and the Moro National Liberation Front, and economic issues involving debt renegotiations with institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Her cabinet included figures such as Jovito Salonga as Senate leader allies, Joaquin Bernas as constitutional adviser, and Aquilino Pimentel Jr. aligned opposition members. Aquino pursued agrarian reform measures affecting Hacienda Luisita and engaged in diplomatic relations with countries including the United States, Japan, and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Post-presidency activities and legacy

After leaving office in 1992, succeeded by Fidel V. Ramos, Aquino remained an influential moral authority, endorsing candidates and mobilizing civil society against corruption and authoritarian relapse, including during the EDSA II movement that ousted Joseph Estrada. Her legacy influenced lawmakers drafting laws such as the Local Government Code of 1991 and activists within organizations like Aksyon Demokratiko and the Liberal Party. Internationally, her role is cited alongside leaders affected by the Cold War transitions in Latin America and Eastern Europe. Memorials include the Cory Aquino Fellowship programs, the Cory Aquino School of Excellence initiatives, and the naming of infrastructure like the Cory Aquino Boulevard and the Cory Aquino Memorial Museum exhibits curated by the Aquino family and civic groups.

Personal life and health

Aquino was married to Benigno Aquino Jr. and was mother to several children who engaged in public service, notably Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, who became president in 2010, and Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV, who served in the Senate of the Philippines. She was a devout Roman Catholic associated with Cardinal Jaime Sin and evangelical movements that participated in EDSA. Aquino battled health issues later in life, including colorectal cancer and complications from liver disease, receiving medical care at institutions like St. Luke’s Medical Center and Makati Medical Center. She died in 2009, prompting state and civic commemorations attended by leaders including Benigno Aquino III, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and international envoys.

Honors and public perception

Aquino received honors from governments and organizations such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom-adjacent recognitions, awards from the United States Congress and various human rights groups, and commemorative proclamations by local governments in Metro Manila and Tarlac. Public perception of Aquino ranges from veneration as a symbol of nonviolent resistance echoed in tributes by Nelson Mandela-era activists and Aung San Suu Kyi supporters, to critiques by commentators on policy outcomes and succession politics involving the Aquino family and allied parties like the Liberal Party. Annual commemorations include observances at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani and civic ceremonies led by institutions such as the Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines.

Category:Presidents of the Philippines Category:Filipino women politicians Category:1933 births Category:2009 deaths