Contents
Corazon Aquino
Becoming the Philippines’ first female president after the People Power movement ended Ferdinand Marcos’s rule in 1986.
New constitution · Agrarian reform
- Born
- 25 January 1933
- Birthplace
- Paniqui, Tarlac, Philippines
- Died
- 1 August 2009
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Corazon Aquino emerged as an opposition leader after the assassination of her husband, Benigno Aquino Jr. Her presidency restored constitutional institutions after authoritarian rule, while facing coup attempts, economic problems and criticism over land reform and state violence.
Early life
Cojuangco family
Born into an affluent political and landowning family in Tarlac.
Study and marriage
Studied in the United States before returning to the Philippines and marrying Benigno Aquino Jr. in 1954.
Career
- 1983
Opposition leadership
Her husband’s assassination drew her into a leading public role against Marcos.
- 1986
People Power
Contested a disputed election and took office amid mass protests and military defections.
- 1987–1992
Constitutional government
Governed under a new constitution and completed her term despite repeated coup attempts.
Policies & milestones
New constitution
Oversaw a framework restoring Congress and limiting presidential power.
Agrarian reform
Signed the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law, whose implementation and exemptions drew criticism.
Transfer of power
Handed the presidency to elected successor Fidel Ramos.
Beyond politics
Family in public life
Her son Benigno Aquino III later became president; her daughter Kris became a broadcaster and entertainer.
Unresolved injustices
The 1987 killing of protesting farmers at Mendiola and disputes over her family’s Hacienda Luisita complicate her democratic legacy.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Philippine Commission on Women: Corazon Aquino ↗Photo: Airman Gerald B. Johnson. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
