Ninoy Aquino Day is held every 21 August to commemorate the life and
death of Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. Senator Aquino, along with
his wife Corazon, are attributed as leading lights in modern Philippine
democracy. In 2018, this holiday falls on a Tuesday.
In 1972 the Philippines was placed under martial law by President
Ferdinand Marcos, effectively making Marcos a dictator. Many believe
this law was enacted to secure Marcos’ power but was enforced under the
guise of protecting the country from communism and civil strife.
During this time, any person who publicly opposed Marcos was
imprisoned by the military, and many public institutions were closed
down. The military was also found to have committed human rights abuses
and the Philippine economy suffered massive losses.
Senator Aquino was a 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. While in the
U.S. he continued to advocate for the Philippines people’s freedom.
To challenge Marcos in the 1984 elections, Aquino decided to return
to the Philippines in August 1983, knowing it could lead to his death.
On the 21st of the month, he landed in Manila International
Airport where he was assassinated, many believe, under the orders of
Marcos. It was this event that led to the eventual downfall of Marcos
and the presidency of Aquino’s wife, Corazon.
The inaugural Ninoy Aquino Day was celebrated in 2004 after the then
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared it as a day to commemorate
his death anniversary. The holiday was also part of her “holiday
economics” program to boost tourism in the Philippines.
Being a special non-working holiday, employees who choose not to work
that day and/or are not rostered to work do no receive any pay.
Employees who do work receive an additional 30% of their hourly wage for
every hour worked.
The EDSA People Power Commission (EPPC) holds activities on the day
to commemorate Aquino’s fight for democracy. These activities are funded
partly by the Office of the President and by private donations.
Tags
Philippine Holidays
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