Corazon Aquino - Former President of Phillipines, Timeline and Personal Life
Corazon Aquino's Personal Details
Corazon Aquino was the 11th President of Philippines
Information | Detail |
---|---|
Birthday | January 25, 1933 |
Died on | August 1, 2009 |
Nationality | Filipinos |
Famous | Leaders, Political Leaders, Presidents, Former President of Phillipines |
Nick names | Cory, Tita Cory |
Spouses | Benigno Aquino Jr. |
Siblings | Maria Paz Cojuangco |
Known as | Cory Aquino, Maria Corazon Aquino, Maria Corazon Sumulong |
Childrens | Benigno, Kris Aquino |
Universities |
|
Birth Place | Paniqui, Tarlac |
Political Ideology | (Before 1982) - Political party Liberal , (1982–2009) - PDP-Laban , (1980–1987)Other political affiliations - United Nationalist Democratic Organization |
Religion | Catholicism |
Gender | Female |
Father | Jose Cojuangco |
Mother | Demetria Sumulong |
Sun Sign | Aquarius |
Born in | Paniqui, Tarlac |
Famous as | Former President of Phillipines |
Died at Age | 76 |
Corazon Aquino's photo
Who is Corazon Aquino?
Corazon Aquino was the 11th President of Philippines. Initially, she was just a homemaker, more interested in caring for her family and supporting her husband, Senator Benigno S. Aquino Junior, in his political struggle. However, when Benigno was assassinated at the Manila Airport on his return from exile by Marcos’ men, she could no longer sit still. Very soon she became the rallying point for the democratic movement in Philippines and the most important figure in People’s Power Revolution, also known as Yellow Revolution, which toppled the twenty year old regime of President Ferdinand E. Marcos. Later, she became the President of the country and started the process of democratization and introduced many reforms. However, the period was full of struggle; but she served the people as much as the situation allowed her to do so. When her term was over, she refused to seek reelection, stating that the term of the President is not for life. Even after her retirement she led an active life, taking part in various political as well as social issues.
// Famous Leaders
Edi Rama
Edi Rama is the current Prime Minister of Albania. Check out this biography to know about his childhood, life, achievements, works & timeline.
Tecumseh
Tecumseh was a Native American leader of the Shawnee clan. This biography profiles his childhood, life and timeline.
Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the current President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Check out this biography to know about his birthday, childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about him.
Childhood & Early Life
Maria Corazon Aquino was born on January 25, 1933, in the Intramuros region of Manila in an influential and wealthy family based in Tarlac Province of Philippine. Her father, Jose Cojuangco y Chichioco, Sr, was a well-known businessman and a politician while her mother, Demetria, was a scion of influential Sumulong family.
Maria, lovingly called Cory, had five brothers and sister; Pedro, Josephine, Teresita, Jose, Jr. and Maria Paz. She began her education at St. Scholastica's College in Manila and then shifted to Assumption Convent, also in Manila.
When she turned thirteen, she was sent to the United States of America for further schooling. In USA, Maria Cory was first admitted to Ravenhill Academy of Philadelphia. Later, she was transferred to Notre Dame School of Manhattan and finished her secondary education from there.
Next she enrolled at College of Mount Saint Vincent, Catholic liberal art college located in New York. Maria Cory graduated from there with a degree in mathematics and French, in 1953. She then returned to the Philippines and enrolled at Far Eastern University of Manila. However, she gave up her studies within a year to marry Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. in 1954.
As Homemaker
Sometime in 1955, the couple moved to Concepcion. From now on, Maria Corazon Aquino began to lead the life of an average Pilipino homemaker, supporting her husband, Benigno Aquino in his every move.
Though at the time of their marriage Benigno Aquino worked as a journalist later he began to take interest in politics and quickly rose through ranks to become the nation’s youngest vice governor at the age of 27 (1959) and the governor of Tarlac Province at 29 (1961).
In 1967, Benigno became the nation’s youngest Senator. It is said that, to support his candidacy, Corazon voluntarily sold many heirlooms. On becoming Senator, Benigno Aquino became a vocal critic of President Marcos and was considered to be a strong candidate for 1973 presidential election.
In 1972, Marcos declared martial law and arrested leading politicians, including Benigno. This forced Corazon to come out of her home. She became Benigno’s links with the outside world, never allowing his name to be forgotten.
After a long and biased trail, on November 25, 1977, Benigno was sentenced to death by firing squad. However, for some reasons, it was not carried out immediately.
In 1978, Benigno, who was still confined to prison, decided to stand for Batasang Pambansa election. Although a little uneasy in the beginning, Corazon began to campaign for her husband and for the first time started giving political speeches.
In 1980, Benigno had a heart attack, but fearing duplicity, refused to be treated by Pilipino doctors. Ultimately, the family was allowed to leave for United States of America on the intervention of US President Jimmy Carter.
In USA, the Aquino family settled at Boston. However, Benigno toured throughout the USA delivering lectures on internal condition of Philippines. On August 21, 1983, he alone returned to Philippines, but was assassinated at Manila Airport.
The assassination gave rise to an outcry both at home and abroad. Corazon became active once more and started taking part in different demonstrations and very soon took the leadership of the party.
At the same time, international pressure forced Marcos to call for Presidential election in November, 1985. A reluctant Corazon Aquino was chosen as the next Presidential candidate by a united opposition. She agreed to run for the office when one million signatures were presented to her.
The election, held in February, 1986, was marred by widespread electoral fraud, violence and coercion. In spite of that, Marcos could win only by a narrow margin. Aquino’s supporters challenged the result. The army too made an about turn and declared support for Aquino. Sensing trouble Marcos left for Hawaii.
As President of Philippines
Corazon Aquino took oath as the eleventh President of Philippines on February 25, 1986. On February 28, she set up Presidential Commission on Good Government, whose main task was to investigate and recover the ill-gotten wealth accumulated by previous regime.
She abolished the 1973 constitution in operation during the martial rule and proclaimed the provisional Freedom Constitution in 1986. At the same time, she appointed a commission to write a new constitution, which was ratified in 1987.
In 1987, Aquino government restored the bicameral Congress, abolished during Marcos’ regime. She also held the election to the new Congress and promulgated ‘The Family Code, 1987 and Administrative Code 1987.
She also broke the monopoly of the followers of Marcos over the country’s economy and was able to usher in limited economical and agricultural reforms. Although it improved the economic condition of the country to some extent, her policies were criticized as faltering and her popularity began to decrease.
However, one has to appreciate that the situation was very difficult for President Aquino. She had to face problems in every sector. The economy was in ruins. In addition to US$ 28 billion of foreign debts left by the previous regime, she also had to tackle mass poverty.
The persistent attack by the communists hindered her efforts to a large extent. Due to sabotage by Marcos’ friends in the government, protracted blackouts were very common in Manila, which affected the city’s trade and industry.
She was not sure of the loyalty of the armed forces either and had to face several attempted coups by different sections of the Armed Forces. In addition, the country was also devastated by a number of natural calamities during the last two years of her rule.
In 1992, as her term grew to an end, President Aquino refused to seek reelection. By this, she tried to set an example and make people aware that the post of the President was never permanent.
When the new President was sworn on June 30, 1992, Corazon Aquino handed over the charge and drove away in her modest Toyota Crown to a retired, but active life.
Later Life
After retirement Corazon Aquino remained active in the country’s political field and voiced her dissent strongly in case she thought that the liberal democratic values were being compromised. In 1997, she led a huge rally, which ultimately aborted President Ramos’ attempt to amend the constitution and thereby extend his tenure.
Aquino undertook such political activism whenever the situation arose. In addition, she went on several foreign trips, giving speeches on subjects like democracy, development, woman empowerment and human rights. Besides, from 1992 onwards she was personally involved with many charitable organizations.
Humanitarian Works
Corazon Aquino supported social housing and microfinancing programs for poor. She helped establish the PinoyME Foundation, a non-profit organization, which microfinances programs and projects for the poor
Awards & Achievements
In 1986, Corazon Aquino was named ‘Woman of the Year’ by Times Magazine for her fight to overthrow the 20 years dictatorial regime of Ferdinand E. Marcos.
In 1996, Aquino received the J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding from the Fulbright Association.
In 1999, she was chosen by the Times Magazine as one of the 20 Most Influential Asians of the 20th century.
Personal Life & Legacy
Corazon Aquino married Benigno S. Aquino Jr in 1954. The couple had five children; Maria Elena, Aurora Corazon, Benigno Simeon III, Victoria Elisa and Kristina Bernadette. Among them, Benigno Simeon III later joined politics and in 2010, became the country’s fifteenth president.
On March 24, 2008, it was announced that the Corazon Aquino had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. She underwent chemotherapy. However, by July 2009, her condition became acute and the chemotherapy was stopped. She died from cardiac arrest on August 1, 2009 at the age of 76.
Today, Corazon Aquino is fondly remembered as the ‘Mother of Philippine Democracy’ by many Filipinos. Many international observers have also hailed her as the modern day Joan of Arc.
// Famous Presidents
Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the current President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Check out this biography to know about his birthday, childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about him.
Anwar Sadat
Anwar Sadat was the third President of Egypt and has been awarded the Nobel Prize for his peace initiatives. To know more about his childhood, career, profile and timeline read on the following biography.
Idi Amin
A Ugandan dictator, Idi Amin is remembered for his brutal regime and crime against humanity. Check this biography to know in details about his life, childhood, profile and timeline.
Corazon Aquino's awards
Year | Name | Award |
---|---|---|
Other | ||
1996 | J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding | |
1998 | Ramon Magsaysay Award for Peace and International Understanding | |
0 | 1987 - Prize For Freedom | |
0 | 1986 - Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights | |
0 | 2001 - World Citizenship Award |
Corazon Aquino biography timelines
- // 25th Jan 1933Maria Corazon Aquino was born on January 25, 1933, in the Intramuros region of Manila in an influential and wealthy family based in Tarlac Province of Philippine. Her father, Jose Cojuangco y Chichioco, Sr, was a well-known businessman and a politician while her mother, Demetria, was a scion of influential Sumulong family.
- // 1953 To 1954Next she enrolled at College of Mount Saint Vincent, Catholic liberal art college located in New York. Maria Cory graduated from there with a degree in mathematics and French, in 1953. She then returned to the Philippines and enrolled at Far Eastern University of Manila. However, she gave up her studies within a year to marry Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. in 1954.
- // 1954 To 2010Corazon Aquino married Benigno S. Aquino Jr in 1954. The couple had five children; Maria Elena, Aurora Corazon, Benigno Simeon III, Victoria Elisa and Kristina Bernadette. Among them, Benigno Simeon III later joined politics and in 2010, became the country’s fifteenth president.
- // 1955Sometime in 1955, the couple moved to Concepcion. From now on, Maria Corazon Aquino began to lead the life of an average Pilipino homemaker, supporting her husband, Benigno Aquino in his every move.
- // 1959 To 1961Though at the time of their marriage Benigno Aquino worked as a journalist later he began to take interest in politics and quickly rose through ranks to become the nation’s youngest vice governor at the age of 27 (1959) and the governor of Tarlac Province at 29 (1961).
- // 1967 To 1973In 1967, Benigno became the nation’s youngest Senator. It is said that, to support his candidacy, Corazon voluntarily sold many heirlooms. On becoming Senator, Benigno Aquino became a vocal critic of President Marcos and was considered to be a strong candidate for 1973 presidential election.
- // 1972In 1972, Marcos declared martial law and arrested leading politicians, including Benigno. This forced Corazon to come out of her home. She became Benigno’s links with the outside world, never allowing his name to be forgotten.
- // 25th Nov 1977After a long and biased trail, on November 25, 1977, Benigno was sentenced to death by firing squad. However, for some reasons, it was not carried out immediately.
- // 1978In 1978, Benigno, who was still confined to prison, decided to stand for Batasang Pambansa election. Although a little uneasy in the beginning, Corazon began to campaign for her husband and for the first time started giving political speeches.
- // 1980In 1980, Benigno had a heart attack, but fearing duplicity, refused to be treated by Pilipino doctors. Ultimately, the family was allowed to leave for United States of America on the intervention of US President Jimmy Carter.
- // 21st Aug 1983In USA, the Aquino family settled at Boston. However, Benigno toured throughout the USA delivering lectures on internal condition of Philippines. On August 21, 1983, he alone returned to Philippines, but was assassinated at Manila Airport.
- // 1985At the same time, international pressure forced Marcos to call for Presidential election in November, 1985. A reluctant Corazon Aquino was chosen as the next Presidential candidate by a united opposition. She agreed to run for the office when one million signatures were presented to her.
- // 1986The election, held in February, 1986, was marred by widespread electoral fraud, violence and coercion. In spite of that, Marcos could win only by a narrow margin. Aquino’s supporters challenged the result. The army too made an about turn and declared support for Aquino. Sensing trouble Marcos left for Hawaii.
- // 1986In 1986, Corazon Aquino was named ‘Woman of the Year’ by Times Magazine for her fight to overthrow the 20 years dictatorial regime of Ferdinand E. Marcos.
- // 25th Feb 1986Corazon Aquino took oath as the eleventh President of Philippines on February 25, 1986. On February 28, she set up Presidential Commission on Good Government, whose main task was to investigate and recover the ill-gotten wealth accumulated by previous regime.
- // 1992In 1992, as her term grew to an end, President Aquino refused to seek reelection. By this, she tried to set an example and make people aware that the post of the President was never permanent.
- // 1992Aquino undertook such political activism whenever the situation arose. In addition, she went on several foreign trips, giving speeches on subjects like democracy, development, woman empowerment and human rights. Besides, from 1992 onwards she was personally involved with many charitable organizations.
- // 30th Jun 1992When the new President was sworn on June 30, 1992, Corazon Aquino handed over the charge and drove away in her modest Toyota Crown to a retired, but active life.
- // 1996In 1996, Aquino received the J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding from the Fulbright Association.
- // 1997After retirement Corazon Aquino remained active in the country’s political field and voiced her dissent strongly in case she thought that the liberal democratic values were being compromised. In 1997, she led a huge rally, which ultimately aborted President Ramos’ attempt to amend the constitution and thereby extend his tenure.
- // 1999In 1999, she was chosen by the Times Magazine as one of the 20 Most Influential Asians of the 20th century.
// Famous Political Leaders
Edi Rama
Edi Rama is the current Prime Minister of Albania. Check out this biography to know about his childhood, life, achievements, works & timeline.
Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the current President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Check out this biography to know about his birthday, childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about him.
Leo Varadkar
Cam Leo Varadkar is the current Taoiseach—the Prime Minister—of the Republic of Ireland. Check out this biography to know about his childhood, family life, achievements and other facts about his life.
Strom Thurmond
Strom Thurmond was an American politician, who represented the state of South Carolina in the United States senate for 48 years.
Solon
Solon was an Athenian lawmaker, poet and politician. He is considered as one of the ‘Seven Wise Men’ in Greek culture. This biography provides detailed information about his childhood, life, career, works, achievements and timeline.
Mohammed bin Salman
Mohammed bin Salman is the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and the heir apparent to the throne. Check out this biography to know about his childhood, family life, achievements and other facts about him.
Corazon Aquino's FAQ
What is Corazon Aquino birthday?
Corazon Aquino was born at 1933-01-25
When was Corazon Aquino died?
Corazon Aquino was died at 2009-08-01
Where was Corazon Aquino died?
Corazon Aquino was died in Makati
Which age was Corazon Aquino died?
Corazon Aquino was died at age 76
Where is Corazon Aquino's birth place?
Corazon Aquino was born in Paniqui, Tarlac
What is Corazon Aquino nationalities?
Corazon Aquino's nationalities is Filipinos
What is Corazon Aquino nick names?
Corazon Aquino's nickNames is Cory, Tita Cory
Who is Corazon Aquino spouses?
Corazon Aquino's spouses is Benigno Aquino Jr.
Who is Corazon Aquino siblings?
Corazon Aquino's siblings is Maria Paz Cojuangco
Who is Corazon Aquino childrens?
Corazon Aquino's childrens is Benigno, Kris Aquino
What was Corazon Aquino universities?
Corazon Aquino studied at College of Mount Saint Vincent, Far Eastern University, St. Scholastica's College Manila, Assumption College San Lorenzo, Notre Dame School
What is Corazon Aquino's political ideology?
Corazon Aquino's political ideology is (Before 1982) - Political party Liberal , (1982–2009) - PDP-Laban , (1980–1987)Other political affiliations - United Nationalist Democratic Organization
What is Corazon Aquino's religion?
Corazon Aquino's religion is Catholicism
Who is Corazon Aquino's father?
Corazon Aquino's father is Jose Cojuangco
Who is Corazon Aquino's mother?
Corazon Aquino's mother is Demetria Sumulong
What is Corazon Aquino's sun sign?
Corazon Aquino is Aquarius
How famous is Corazon Aquino?
Corazon Aquino is famouse as Former President of Phillipines