Benigno Aquino Jr.

About

Filipino dissident who opposed the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos and became a folk hero after his death. The Manila International Airport was later renamed Ninoy Aquino International Airport in his honor and the anniversary of his death is a national holiday in the Philippines. His widow, Corazon Aquino, became first female President of the Philippines from 1986 to 1992, officially ending the Marcos regime. 

Before Fame

His family political connections allowed him to see the beginnings of what he called a 'garrison' state, government by a military junta.

Trivia

After martial law was declared in the Philippines, and he was imprisoned on trumped-up charges, he announced a hunger strike in protest.

Family Life

His father was a general in the revolutionary army of Emilio Aguinaldo, and his father was a member of the House of Representatives of the Philippines. 

Associated With

After the overthrow of Ferdinand Marcos, his death date became a national holiday.