NOYNOY FOR PRESIDENT

“Tinatanggap ko ang hiling ng sambayanan. Tinatanggap ko ang tagubilin ng aking mga magulang. Tinatanggap ko ang responsibilidad na ituloy ang laban para sa bayan. Tinatanggap ko ang hamon na mamuno sa laban na ito. Tatakbo po ako sa pagka-pangulo sa darating na halalan
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Benigno Aquino III

Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III (born February 8, 1960), popularly known as Noynoy Aquino or Benigno S. Aquino III, is a Philippine statesman. The only son of Benigno Aquino, Jr., a Senator imprisoned (and later assassinated), and Aquino's wife Corazon Aquino, who served as President from 1986 to 1992. Aquino was named after his father and his grandfather, Benigno Aquino, Sr., a one-time Speaker of the House of Representatives. He is also the brother of TV host and actress Kris Aquino.

Education

Aquino holds a BA in Economics degree from the Jesuit-run Ateneo de Manila University.

Wounded in 1987 coup attempt

Aquino was wounded during the 1987 failed coup attempt against his mother and was almost killed by a grenade. Specifically, on August 28, 1987, rebel soldiers led by Gregorio Honasan attacked the Malacañang Palace. Noynoy was hit by 5 bullets (one is still embedded in his neck), and 3 of his 4 escorts were killed (the fourth was wounded) protecting him.

Political life

Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” C. Aquino III has always viewed politics as a necessary vehicle for change, a perspective he formed early in life through the examples set by both of his parents.


In 1998, he ran for a seat in the House of Representatives and won. He would serve as Congressman of the 2nd District of Tarlac until 2007.


In his nine years at the Lower House, Noynoy focused on the fiscalizing role of a legislator. He felt that there were already too many laws, and good ones at that, but they seemingly lacked proper implementation. He concentrated on crafting laws that would help create opportunity rather than impose additional burdens to those who are already disadvantaged. He actively took part in budget deliberations to ensure that government initiatives do address the plight of the people who need help the most.


His commitment to continue the legacy of his parents was evident in his performance. In November 2004, he became Deputy House Speaker of Luzon, but he relinquished the post when he joined leaders of the Liberal Party (LP) in calling for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the height of the “Hello Garci” scandal. To him, it was easier to give up the position than abandon his duty to hold accountable those who do wrong.


In May 2007, he ran for Senator and won, placing 6th in the national elections. He chairs the Senate Committee on Local Government, and is also the vice-chairperson of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights. He had been determined to ensure that his key legislative initiatives would bear fruit and to see them through until the end of his term.


However, fate had other plans for him. The passing of his mother, former President Cory Aquino, stirred a long-dormant yearning for good leadership. Filipinos from all walks of life, here and abroad, began to look at Noynoy as the new hope for a better Philippines. The groundswell calling for him to run for President became too loud to ignore, and eventually overcame his reluctance.


In his letter from prison many years ago, Ninoy said to Noynoy, “Son, the ball is now in your hands.”


Today, the people want the future back into their own hands and Noynoy will not let them down.


His critics say he merely trades on his good name and skeptics consider him a lightweight. Rivals accuse him of wrongdoing despite a clearly unblemished record. Noynoy’s detractors have been busy trying to bring him down, but their efforts have only allowed him to improve his popularity.


Noynoy is an economist by education, a lawmaker by vocation. He is an audiophile, history buff, marksman and self-taught billiards sharpie. He is a loving brother and uncle, and a steadfast friend. He is also destined to be the one to finally lead our country towards a brighter future.


“There is no greater nation than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength.” – Ninoy Aquino in a letter to his only son Noynoy





Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Late Philippine leader's son running for president


By OLIVER TEVES, Associated Press Writer Oliver Teves, Associated Press Writer –

MANILA, Philippines – The son of late Philippine leader Corazon "Cory" Aquino announced Wednesday he will run for president next year to continue the legacy of his mother, who became the country's democracy icon for standing up to dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino announced his campaign in the suburban Club Filipino where his mother took her oath as president after the February 1986 "People Power" revolt against the late Marcos.

"I accept the call of the people," Aquino told supporters. "I accept the responsibility of continuing our fight for the people. I accept the challenge to lead this fight."

He announced his candidacy after his Liberal Party president Manuel Roxas II last week said he was giving up his own presidential bid to give way to Aquino's son.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who lost the support of the Aquinos over charges of corruption and election fraud, is scheduled to step down after serving more than nine years in June 2010. She is not allowed to run for re-election.

The massive outpouring of sympathy for Aquino after her death from colon cancer last month prompted supporters of her son to urge him to run for president in the May 2010 election.

A three-term congressman and an economist by training, he said if elected he would ensure that government resources are utilized efficiently, criticizing Arroyo — his former economics professor — for "forgetting what she has taught me."

Despite a patchy record during her six years in office, Corazon Aquino remains a well-loved figure and is credited with restoring democratic institutions after Marcos' 20-year strongman rule. She became a focal point for opposition to Marcos after her husband, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., was assassinated after returning from exile in 1983.

Arroyo's spokeswoman, Lorelei Fajardo, wished Aquino "luck and fortitude."

"We need strong contenders and Noynoy has emerged as one," Fajardo said.

Rep. Teddy Casino of the left-wing Bayan Muna party expressed "openess in working with him on a platform of good governance and social reform."

"The challenge for Noynoy now is to prove that he is more than simply the son of Cory and Ninoy," Casino said.

Walls of the hall where Noynoy Aquino spoke Wednesday were covered in yellow cloth, and many in the crowd wore yellow shirts — the signature color of the 1986 pro-democracy uprising led by his mother. Standing behind him were his four sisters, still wearing black mourning dresses.

After his announcement the crowd sang the patriotic song, "Bayan Ko" (My Country) while raising their hands to show the "L" sign for "laban," the Filipino word for fight, which was the anti-Marcos dictatorship slogan.

"I want to make democracy work not only for the rich and the well connected but for everyone," Aquino said.

Former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, who broke with Arroyo in 2005, said Noynoy Aquino's "track record of decency" will be his "political capital" in winning widespread grassroots support from Filipinos.

"If you are a decent person, you attract decent people ... and this country will move forward," he said.

___

Associated Press writer Teresa Cerojano contributed to this report.

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