President Corazon Aquino

President Corazon Aquino
Name	Corazon Aquino
Caption	Corazon Aquino, 1986
Birth date	January 25, 1933
Birth place	Tarlac, Philippine Islands
Death date	August 1, 2009
Death place	Makati, Philippines
Spouse	Benigno Aquino Jr.
Office	11th President of the Philippines
Term start	February 25, 1986
Term end	June 30, 1992
Predecessor	Ferdinand Marcos
Successor	Fidel V. Ramos

President Corazon Aquino was the 11th President of the Philippines and a central figure in the 1986 People Power Revolution. She led the transition from the Fourth Republic under Ferdinand Marcos to a restored Fifth Republic and a new 1987 Constitution. Her presidency reshaped Philippine politics and influenced democratic movements across Asia and the world.

Early life and education

Aquino was born in Tarlac to the Cojuangco clan, linked to Nueva Ecija and Iloilo landed interests, with ties to Hacienda Luisita and the sugar industry. Her parents, José Cojuangco Jr. and Demetria Sumulong, were members of prominent Philippine business and political families. She attended grade school at St. Scholastica's and completed secondary education at Assumption Convent before earning a bachelor's degree in French language and music at College of Mount Saint Vincent in New York City and later studied at Assumption College upon returning to the Philippines.

Political background and marriage to Benigno Aquino Jr.

Her marriage to Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. in 1954 linked her to the Liberal Party and the opposition to the Nacionalista Party and later to the New Society under Ferdinand Marcos. Ninoy's career included positions in the Senate, the House of Representatives, and as governor and Batangas assignments. The assassination of Ninoy Aquino at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in 1983 galvanized alliances among figures such as Joaquín "Chino" Roces, José W. Diokno, Cory Aquino's brother-in-law Tito Sotto (family ties), and opposition leaders including Salvador Laurel, Jovito Salonga, and Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III's contemporaries. Her emergence as a unifying symbol involved organizations like the Lakas ng Bayan, Liberal Party, and the NAMFREL.

1986 People Power Revolution and rise to presidency

The disputed 1986 election pitted Aquino against Marcos, with controversies over the COMELEC count and allegations involving Juan Ponce Enrile and Fidel V. Ramos who defected from the AFP to form a civilian-military coalition. Mass mobilizations at EDSA featured leaders such as Cardinal Jaime Sin and groups like Church-based-led movements and Roman Catholic Church clergy, supported by civil society organizations including Kilusang Pilipino and Aquino’s supporters from labor, student groups like Anakbayan, and media figures such as Juan Ponce Enrile allies. The peaceful revolution led to Marcos fleeing to Hawaii and Aquino sworn in at the Rizal Monument area, recognized by foreign capitals including United States and institutions like the United Nations.

Domestic policies and reforms

Aquino dissolved the Batasang Pambansa and established a Transitional government that enabled drafting of the 1987 Constitution through a Constitutional Commission chaired by Cecilia Muñoz-Palma. Her administration pursued anti-corruption measures against remnants of the cronies such as holdings linked to Benpres, San Miguel Corporation, and sought recovery of assets through agencies like the PCGG. She appointed reform-minded officials including Jovito Salonga at Senate leadership and Alejandro Melchor Jr. in economic posts, and emphasized civil liberties by restoring the Supreme Court's independence and releasing political prisoners associated with movements like the NDF.

Economic challenges and governance

Aquino inherited economic crises including external debt issues, Balance of payments crisis pressures, and capital flight affecting institutions like the BSP and conglomerates such as Ayala Corporation and Aboitiz. Her administration implemented fiscal reforms with advisers drawn from IMF programs and engaged with financiers in World Bank. Governance faced persistent insurgencies including the New People's Army and Moro National Liberation Front/Moro Islamic Liberation Front conflicts, which necessitated negotiations and military operations involving commanders like Ramon Montano and peace talks mediated by figures such as Joaquin F. Bernas and Nur Misuari. Natural disasters, coup attempts led by military dissidents including Gringo Honasan and Ramil L. Hernandez, and challenges to investor confidence complicated sustained economic recovery.

Foreign policy and international relations

Aquino reoriented Philippine foreign relations, reinforcing ties with the United States while renegotiating agreements such as those governing Subic Bay Naval Base and Clark Air Base with the US Department of Defense and engaging with multilateral organizations like the ASEAN, APEC (precursor dialogues), and the United Nations Security Council forums. Her administration advocated human rights before bodies like the UNHRC and participated in regional diplomacy with leaders such as Lee Kuan Yew, Mahathir Mohamad, regional heads, and Ronald Reagan of the United States. She engaged in bilateral talks with Japan and hosted state visits involving monarchs and presidents across Europe and Asia, and contributed to global discussions on democratic transitions and civil society.

Later life, legacy, and impact on Philippine democracy

After leaving office, Aquino remained active with institutions like the Aquino family foundations and public debates involving successors including Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and Benigno Aquino III. Her death in 2009 prompted state mourning including ceremonies at Ayala Avenue and interment at Manila Memorial Park. Scholars link her presidency to a restored constitutional order, strengthened human rights institutions, and inspiration for nonviolent movements such as those in Serbia and Georgia; critics point to persistent structural issues involving oligarchic networks like the Cojuangco family and challenges faced by later administrations. Her legacy is commemorated through memorials including the Bahay Tsinoy exhibitions, the Cory Aquino Avenue naming, and annual observances that continue to shape debates over democratic consolidation and civil society in the Philippines.

Category:Presidents of the Philippines Category:People from Tarlac Category:2009 deaths