Noynoy Aquino, also known as Benigno Simeon Cojuangco III, was born on February 8, 1960. He is the third child and only son among four sisters. His youngest sister, Kristina Bernadette or Kris Aquino, has gained immense popularity in television and film. Noynoy completed his education at Ateneo University where he pursued Economics.
During that period, Senator Ninoy Aquino was the only advocate for freedom opposing President Marcos, the dictator. Consequently, they were compelled to go into exile in Boston. Although facing constant assassination threats, his father chose to return to the Philippines and continue his political fight against the dictator. Tragically, he was assassinated, igniting the EDSA revolution that ultimately resulted in the overthrow of the Marcos regime.
Noynoy became a member of the Philippine Business for Social Progress after these events. He then got into sales in Nike and Mondragon Philippines. Afterwards, he joined the Intra-Strata Assurance Corporation, owned by his family. One notable event in Noynoy Aquino’s life was when he was seriously wounded in the line of fire during the rebellion led by Gregorio Honasan, who later became a Philippine senator.
Despite the unsuccessful coup d’etat and the death of three of Noynoy’s security personnel, he was able to recover. However, one of the security members who protected him survived. Noynoy himself was hit by five bullets, and one of them remains lodged in his neck.
In terms of his political career, Noynoy has long been a prominent figure in the Liberal Political party of the Philippines. Eventually, he became Vice Chairman. He is loosely affiliated with the faction of the Liberal Party that opposes President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo due to alleged human rights violations.
He has also served as the representative of the second district of Tarlac and was re-elected to this position, serving until 2007. As a legislator, he advocated for providing petrol oil and lubricant oil for the Philippine Army. Later on, he became a Philippine senator and joined the Opposition coalition that opposed President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s plans for Charter Change or rewriting the constitution.
It is worth mentioning that, as a political maneuver in this campaign, he publicly supported the bailout of ex-senator Gregorio Honasan, who was imprisoned on new charges of rebellion, essentially forgiving the past that nearly cost him his life. In 2010, a group of activists and lawyers, known as Noynoy Aquino for President, approached Aquino after the passing of his mother, former president Corazon Aquino. After some weeks of consideration, he officially declared his candidacy. Therefore, he is now an official candidate for presidency.
