The Ninoy Aquino Day commemorates the life of Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr, the leading figures who was instrumental in the ending of Martial Law in the Philippines.
During the year 1972, the country was place under the martial law by the then President Ferdinand Marcos, making the strongman as a dicatator. During those times, many personalities who publicly opposed the administration were imprisoned by the military.
Senator Aquino was one of the vocal opponent of Marcos and was consequently imprisoned. In 1980, Aquino suffered a heart attack and was allowed to move to the United States to receive medical treatment. Although the Senator lived in a foreign land, he continued his advocacy for Philippine freedom against martial law.
Aquino challenged Marcos in the 1984 elections, he decided to return to the Philippines in August 1983, despite the fact that it could lead to his death. On the 21st of August, he landed in Manila International Airport and he was (–foul word(s) removed–)(–foul word(s) removed–)inated. It was this event that led to the eventual downfall of the Marcos regime.
The Ninoy Aquino Day is celebrated every August 21, the inaugural NinoyAquino Day was celebrated in 2004 after former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared it as a day to commemorate his death anniversary.