Benigno Aquino III served as the 15th president of the Philippines, holding office from 2010 to 2016. A career politician from a prominent family, his tenure coincided with significant economic growth and a shift in national foreign policy. His life spanned decades of political transition in the Philippines, marked by both personal hardship and national leadership roles.
Early Life and Professional Background
Born in 1960 in Manila, Aquino was the son of Benigno Aquino Jr. and Corazon Aquino. He attended Ateneo de Manila University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics in 1981. Before entering politics, he held various positions in the private sector, including roles at Mondragon Industries Philippines, Nike Philippines, Intra-Strata Assurance Corporation, and Central Azucarera de Tarlac. In 1987, he survived an assassination attempt during a coup led by Gregorio Honasan, which resulted in significant injuries.
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Aquino served as a member of the House of Representatives from 1998 to 2007, representing Tarlac. During this period, he was named Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2004 to 2006. Following his term in the House, he was elected to the Senate of the Philippines in 2007. His legislative work focused on economic policy and administrative oversight, establishing his profile within the Liberal Party.
Presidency and Foreign Policy
In 2010, Aquino succeeded Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as president. His administration oversaw a period of economic growth that led to the country being characterized as a rising economy. His foreign policy included filing the Philippines v. China arbitration case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration to challenge maritime claims in the South China Sea, resulting in a favorable ruling for the Philippines. He served until 2016.
Fast facts
- Born: 1960, Manila
- Died: 2021, Quezon City
- President of the Philippines: 2010-2016
- Education: Ateneo de Manila University
- Political Party: Liberal Party
- Burial Site: Manila Memorial Park – Sucat
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the Philippines v. China case?
The case was a legal challenge filed by the Aquino administration at the Permanent Court of Arbitration to invalidate China's maritime claims in the South China Sea.
What roles did Aquino hold before becoming president?
He served as a member of the House of Representatives from 1998 to 2007, as Deputy Speaker of the House from 2004 to 2006, and as a member of the Senate from 2007 to 2010.
Achievements
- President of the Philippines (2010–2016)
- member of the House of Representatives (1998–2007)
- Member of the Senate of the Philippines (2007–2010)
- Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines (2004–2006)
- Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum
- Order of Lakandula
- Educated at Ateneo de Manila University
