Maria Corazon “Cory” Cojuangco Aquino, the 11th President of the Philippines and the first woman to hold that office, is a symbol of democracy, moral leadership, and peaceful revolution. Catapulted to power not by political ambition but by a groundswell of public support after her husband’s assassination, Aquino became a central figure in one of the most significant non-violent revolutions in the 20th century—the 1986 People Power Revolution.
Though initially reluctant to lead, Corazon Aquino’s presidency restored democratic institutions after years of dictatorship, overcame several coup attempts, and laid the foundation for a modern democratic Philippines. Her term was not without challenges, but her legacy remains profound and enduring.
Early Life and Background
Corazon Aquino was born on January 25, 1933, in Paniqui, Tarlac, into the influential Cojuangco family. She was the sixth of eight children of José Cojuangco Sr., a sugar baron, and Demetria Sumulong, herself from a political family. Cory was raised in privilege but grounded in Catholic values and education.
She studied in Manila and then in the United States, attending the Ravenhill Academy in Philadelphia and later Mount St. Vincent College in New York, where she majored in French and mathematics. Upon returning to the Philippines, she pursued law at Far Eastern University but discontinued her studies after marrying Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., a rising political star, in 1954.
Cory dedicated herself to raising their five children, supporting Ninoy’s political career behind the scenes as he rose from mayor of Concepcion, Tarlac to senator. She preferred to stay out of the public eye, describing herself as a “plain housewife.”
From Widow to Political Icon
Cory’s life changed dramatically on August 21, 1983, when her husband Ninoy was assassinated at the Manila International Airport upon returning from exile in the United States. His death shocked the nation and sparked widespread outrage, reigniting opposition against President Ferdinand Marcos’s authoritarian regime.
Cory, previously apolitical, was thrust into the center of a growing pro-democracy movement. She became the face of moral opposition, drawing strength from her faith, humility, and her husband’s sacrifice. In 1985, Marcos called for a snap election to legitimize his rule, and the opposition rallied behind Aquino as their presidential candidate.
Though lacking traditional political experience, Aquino inspired Filipinos with her sincerity, moral authority, and courage. Her campaign slogan, “Tama na, Sobra na, Palitan na!” (Enough is enough, time for change!), struck a chord with a population hungry for reform.
The 1986 Snap Election and People Power
The snap election, held on February 7, 1986, was marked by rampant fraud and violence. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) declared Marcos the winner, but the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) and international observers reported massive irregularities. Outraged citizens took to the streets.
From February 22 to 25, millions of Filipinos gathered peacefully on EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue) in Metro Manila, demanding Marcos’s resignation. The military, led by Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile and General Fidel Ramos, defected to the opposition.
Marcos fled into exile, and on February 25, 1986, Corazon Aquino was sworn in as President of the Philippines at Club Filipino. The bloodless revolution—now known as the EDSA People Power Revolution—became a global model for peaceful democratic change.
Restoring Democracy
Aquino inherited a country ravaged by economic crisis, political repression, and institutional decay. Her first act was to abolish the 1973 Marcos Constitution and implement a provisional “Freedom Constitution.” She then created a Constitutional Commission, whose work resulted in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, restoring checks and balances, a bill of rights, and democratic institutions.
Key achievements during her presidency included:
- Restoring press freedom and civil liberties.
- Re-establishing Congress and holding democratic elections.
- Releasing political prisoners and engaging with opposition groups.
- Beginning the process of agrarian reform through the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
- Attempting to dismantle crony capitalism and recover ill-gotten wealth from the Marcos regime.
Challenges and Coups
Aquino’s presidency was anything but smooth. She faced at least seven coup attempts from 1986 to 1989, mostly from disgruntled military factions who viewed her as weak or overly conciliatory toward leftist groups. The most serious, in December 1989, nearly toppled her administration and required U.S. military assistance to quell.
The economy, already in bad shape from the Marcos years, struggled to recover. Her administration had to balance debt servicing with social spending, a tightrope walk that drew criticism from both conservative and progressive camps.
Her agrarian reform program, though historic, was hampered by legal loopholes and opposition from landowning elites—including her own family. The Hacienda Luisita controversy in particular cast a shadow over her legacy, as farm workers demanded genuine land redistribution.
Despite these, Aquino remained steadfast in her mission: restoring and preserving democracy.
Stepping Down and Life After the Presidency
True to her word, Cory stepped down at the end of her single six-year term in 1992, handing power peacefully to her elected successor, Fidel V. Ramos. Her graceful exit set a crucial precedent in a region where leaders often clung to power.
In retirement, Aquino remained a respected national figure. She took part in civic activities, spoke out against corruption, and even joined rallies—most notably against President Joseph Estrada in EDSA II (2001) and later expressing concern over the administration of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
She became a symbol not only of democracy but of integrity in leadership, a rarity in Philippine politics.
Illness and Death
In 2008, Aquino was diagnosed with colon cancer. Despite her illness, she remained engaged in public life, receiving an outpouring of support and prayers from Filipinos across all walks of life.
Corazon Aquino died on August 1, 2009, at age 76. Her death was met with national mourning, and thousands lined up to pay their respects. In recognition of her role in restoring democracy, she was given full honors and buried beside her husband Ninoy at Manila Memorial Park.
Her funeral procession mirrored the public grief and admiration first seen during Ninoy’s in 1983. In life and in death, Cory continued to unite Filipinos in solemn reflection and hope.
Legacy
Cory Aquino’s presidency was not perfect. Her administration struggled with inefficiency, military instability, and incomplete reforms. Critics argue that her moral leadership did not always translate into effective governance, especially on socioeconomic issues like poverty and land inequality.
Yet, her symbolic power and democratic conviction cannot be overstated.
She restored democracy without vengeance. She navigated turbulent times with dignity and courage. In a country weary of authoritarianism, she reminded Filipinos that power ultimately rests in the people, not in one man or one family.
Cory’s personal story—the housewife turned president, the widow turned warrior of democracy—is one of sacrifice, service, and surprising strength. She inspired a generation and helped shift the global narrative on people power, democracy, and women in leadership.
Her legacy continues through her children, most notably Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, who served as President from 2010 to 2016.
Conclusion
Corazon Aquino entered politics reluctantly but left it as one of the most consequential figures in Philippine history. In a nation scarred by dictatorship, she became its beacon of hope, its symbol of moral leadership, and the face of restored democracy.Her name will forever be tied to the values of freedom, peace, and people power—values that remain as relevant today as they were in 1986.
