Benigno Aquino III
Benigno Aquino III: A Life of Service and Sacrifice
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III, commonly known as Noynoy or PNoy, was a Filipino politician who served as the 15th President of the Philippines from 2010 to 2016.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: November 8, 1960
Died: June 24, 2021 (aged 60)
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: Filipino
Professions:
Politician
Lawyer
Early Life and Background
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Benigno Aquino III was born in Manila, Philippines to Benigno Aquino Jr. and Corazon Aquino. His father, a senator and opposition leader, was assassinated in 1983 while returning from exile. This event had a profound impact on the young Aquino's life, shaping his commitment to public service.
Growing up, Aquino was exposed to politics at a tender age. He attended Ateneo de Manila University for his primary and secondary education before moving to the United States to study at Harvard University. However, he dropped out of college in 1981 to take care of his family after his father's assassination.
Major Accomplishments
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During his tenure as President, Aquino implemented several significant reforms:
The Anti-Corruption Drive: He launched a massive anti-corruption campaign that led to the prosecution and conviction of high-ranking government officials accused of corruption.
The Pork Barrel System Reforms: Aquino signed into law the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) which abolished the pork barrel system, a notorious patronage politics-based allocation of funds for lawmakers' pet projects.
The Constitutional Reforms: He supported amendments to the 1987 Constitution, including the creation of a new Congress and the strengthening of local government units.Notable Works or Actions
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Some notable works and actions attributed to Aquino include:
The Freedom from Debt Act: A landmark legislation that cancelled billions of pesos in debts owed by farmers and fishermen.
The Human Rights Victims Reparation Bill: Signed into law, this bill provided reparations for victims of human rights abuses during the Marcos regime.
The Sin Tax Reform Law: Aquino signed a measure to increase taxes on liquor and cigarettes to fund health programs.
Impact and Legacy
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Aquino's presidency was marked by significant reforms aimed at eradicating corruption, strengthening institutions, and promoting human rights. While his administration faced numerous challenges, including the Maguindanao massacre and the Mamasapano clash, Aquino remained committed to his vision of a more just and equitable society.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Benigno Aquino III is widely quoted and remembered for his unwavering commitment to public service. His courageous leadership during turbulent times has inspired countless Filipinos to stand up against corruption, fight for human rights, and demand good governance.
Quotes by Benigno Aquino III
There is a theory that China will tend to push, and if you bend, they will push some more.
I try to put myself in others' shoes: How does any country give up any sovereignty and expect to survive as a government? I don't think that any Philippine president, or any leader for that matter, can afford to give up any portion of territorial sovereignty. That would be political suicide.
I can try to convince somebody else of my beliefs, but I should not be imposing.
In politics, you must learn to say 'no' without offending people. That is an art that one must master: to satisfy a person even when you have to say 'no' to him.
China itself has said repeatedly that they will and have been conforming to international law.