Corazon Aquino

Date of Birth: January 25, 1933

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: August 1, 2009

Biography

Corazon “Cory” Aquino was a Filipino politician who served as the 11th President of the Philippines from 1986 to 1992. She was born into a wealthy and politically prominent family and was educated in Manila and in the United States. Aquino was the first woman to hold the office of President in the Philippines and is best known for leading the People Power Revolution, which resulted in the ousting of President Ferdinand Marcos. Her presidency restored democratic rule to the Philippines after years of authoritarianism. Cory Aquino was born on January 25, 1933, in Paniqui, Tarlac, Philippines, to José Cojuangco, a prominent businessman, and Demetria Sumulong. She graduated from Mount St. Vincent College in New York with a Bachelor of Arts in French and Mathematics. She married Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., a journalist and politician, in 1954. Their marriage produced five children. Aquino’s life took a dramatic turn when her husband was assassinated upon his return to the Philippines from political exile in 1983. His death became a rallying point for opposition against the Marcos regime. Cory Aquino reluctantly entered the political arena, and her decision to run for president galvanized the opposition. She won the 1986 election, although it was marred by allegations of fraud from the Marcos camp. A subsequent peaceful uprising, known as the People Power Revolution, confirmed her legitimacy as President. During her tenure, Aquino faced numerous challenges, including coup attempts and natural disasters. She implemented several political and economic reforms but struggled with persistent poverty and insurgency issues. Despite these challenges, her administration is credited with restoring democratic institutions and promoting human rights. After her presidency, Aquino remained an influential figure in Philippine politics and society. She died on August 1, 2009, due to complications from colorectal cancer.

5 Interesting Facts about Corazon Aquino

1. Corazon Aquino was the first female president in Asia.

2. She was named Time magazine’s Woman of the Year in 1986.

3. Aquino survived seven coup attempts during her presidency.

4. She was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding in 1998.

5. Cory Aquino was a devout Roman Catholic and credited her faith as a guiding force in her life.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Corazon Aquino

1. “I would rather die a meaningful death than live a meaningless life.”

2. “Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather, it is a spirit that bears things with blazing, serene hope.”

3. “I just do whatever it is that I believe I should do, regardless of the risks to my life.”

4. “Reconciliation should be accompanied by justice, otherwise it will not last. While we all hope for peace, it shouldn’t be peace at any cost but peace based on principle, on justice.”

5. “I am not embarrassed to tell you that I believe in miracles.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While specific details about Corazon Aquino’s net worth are not publicly available, her family’s wealth and political influence were significant. It is estimated that the Cojuangco family had considerable assets, but exact figures remain speculative.

Children

Corazon Aquino and Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. had five children: 1. Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz 2. Aurora Corazon “Pinky” Aquino-Abellada 3. Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III (who later became the 15th President of the Philippines) 4. Victoria Elisa “Viel” Aquino-Dee 5. Kristina Bernadette “Kris” Aquino (a well-known television personality)