The Philippine government through Proclamation No. 831, s. 2014 signed by President Benigno S. Aquino declared that August 21, 2015, as a Special Non-Working Holiday nationwide in commemoration of the death anniversary of Sen. Benigno Aquino, Jr. or more popularly known as Senator Ninoy, the father of Pres. Aquino.
See Also: August 21, Ninoy Aquino Holiday Pay Rules
The first Ninoy Aquino Day was celebrated in the year 2004 during the administration of Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The late senator was assassinated during the year 1983 at the tarmac of the former Manila International Airport now Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Sen. Aquino was considered as one of the most vocal opponent of President Marcos during his regime and was consequently imprisoned. During the 1980 Sen. Ninoy suffered a heart attack and was allowed to move to the United States to receive medical treatment.
While staying in the United States, the senator continued to advocate for the Filipino people’s freedom and vowed to return to the Philippines to lead the opposition against the strongman, Pres. Marcos.
On the 21st of August 1983, Sen. Ninoy landed in Manila International Airport where he was assassinated, the event led to the eventual downfall of the Marcos regime and Ninoy’s wife, the late Pres. Cory Aquino became President of the Republic of the Philippines.