Ninoy Aquino--The President our Country Never Had

Each one of us has our own ideal person whom we look up to. Because of the way they look, carry themselves, talk, sing, dance, their outlook in life, etc.

As for me, I look up to this person because of his dignity, otlook in life and his heroistic sacrifice. The best hero we had. And the president we never had, because he was assassinated. During my political science subject way back in college, I really became interested about Ninoy Aquino's heroism. I can't forget what he said about the Filipino people-that "Filipinos are worth dying for"...

He is Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. , born on November 27, 1932 and died August 21,1983. A Philippine senator and opposition leader against President Marcos at that time.

His early Life:

Benigno 'Ninoy" Aquino was born in Concepcion Tarlac, Philippines. At his early age he has shown his love for his family and for his country.

One of his biographies state that Ninoy Aquino referred himself as an average student. At the age of 17, he was the youngest correspondent at the Manila Times Newspaper. He was one of the bravest and youngest journalist in his time. Undoubtly he was given the award The Philippine Legion of Honor award from President Elpidio Quirino at age of 18. In 1955 he became a Mayor at the age of 22. In this year also he married his lovely wife Corazon "Cory" Cojuanco and they had five children.

Political career:

Politics has been significant event in his life. At the age of 22, he became the youngest Municipal Mayor, youngest Vice-Governor at 27. Governor at 29, then Secretary-General of the Liberal Party in 1966. And the youngest elected Senator at the age of 34. Aquino was labelled by President Marcos and his allies as their greatest threat. Aquino as senator bravely baffled President Marcos regime. he was awarded by the Philippine Free Press magazine as one of the nations Most Outstanding Senator. This is why he was tagged to be the best contender of Marcos in presidency.

When President Marcos declaired Martial law on September 21,1972, Aquino was one of the the first who was arrested and imprisoned because of alledgedly illegal possession of firearms, and subversion. Aquino announced that he will undergo on a hunger strike to protest the injustices of his military trial. As days and weeks passed by, Aquino went weaker and weaker. His family and hundred of supporters held Mass every night for his survival.

On November 25, 1977, the Government-Controlled Military Commission No.2 found Aquino guilty of all charges against him and was sentenced to death by firing squad.

In 1980, Aquino sufferred a heart attack. He then had his second heart attack after he was transferred to the Philippine Heart Center. He preferred to go to the US for the bypass operation. He was operated at Dalla, texas and made quick recovery. 

While in the foreign land he worked on two manuscripts of books. He travelled in the US giving speeches about the Marcos government. The most memorable speech he had was held at the Wilshire Ebell Theater in Los Angeles CAlifornia.

Aquino, after spending few years of his life in US, he decided to go back to the Philippines even if he was aware of the great danger he will go through. Even if he was warned that he would be imprisoned or killed. Aquino bravely answered "If it's my fate to die by and assasins bullet, so be it. But I cannot be petrified by inaction, or fear of assassination".

Despite of the outraging danger, Aquino said "I have to return  to restore our rights and freedom through nonviolence".

He then returned in the Philippines on August 1983. Aquino was shot in the head while being escorted off the airplane.

His death awaken the hearts of the Filipino people . Awaken from the longest nightmare and realized we have to fight for country and for the Filipino people. As to what Aquino said " Filipinos are worth dying for"...