Ninoy Aquino Day honors the life and sacrifice of Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., whose assassination in 1983 helped ignite the movement that toppled dictatorship and restored democracy in the Philippines.

When is Ninoy Aquino Day?

Ninoy Aquino Day in Philippines is celebrated every year on August 21.

The following is the list of Ninoy Aquino Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Ninoy Aquino Day?

Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. was a journalist, mayor, governor, and later a senator, known for his charisma and leadership.

He was a strong critic of President Ferdinand Marcos, particularly after Marcos declared martial law in 1972. Aquino was imprisoned for nearly 8 years on charges widely seen as politically motivated.

In 1980, after suffering a heart attack in prison, he was allowed to go to the United States for medical treatment and later lived in exile with his family.

Despite warnings to stay away, Ninoy decided to return to the Philippines in 1983, believing it was his duty to fight for democracy.

On August 21, 1983, upon arrival at the Manila International Airport, he was assassinated as he was escorted off the plane. His murder shocked the nation and became a catalyst for widespread protests against the Marcos regime.

Aquino's assassination galvanized Filipinos across all sectors of society. Massive protests and civil disobedience movements grew, uniting the opposition. His death directly contributed to the People Power Revolution of 1986, which toppled Marcos and brought Ninoy's widow, Corazon "Cory" Aquino, to the presidency—the first female president of the Philippines.

In 2004, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed Republic Act No. 9256, declaring August 21 of every year as Ninoy Aquino Day.

The law recognized Ninoy's assassination as the spark that ignited a renewed fight for freedom and democracy.