Corazon Aquino (1933-2009) rose above her fears to become the first female president of the Philippines. She led the country to democracy in a way that set a precedent for other countries around the world.
Corazon Aquino (1933-2009) rose above her fears to become the first female president of the Philippines. She led the country to democracy in a way that set a precedent for other countries around the world.
You’re probably familiar with rebels without a cause, but what about rebels with a cause? This month on Womanica, we’re talking about women who broke rules that were meant to be broken. From the “Godmother of Title IX” Bernice Sandler, to the most prominent figure of the People Power Revolution, Corazon Aquino, to the “Queen of Civil Rights” Ruby Hurley, these women took major risks to upend the status quo and create meaningful change.
History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should.
Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more. Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.
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Hello! From Wonder Media Network, I’m Jenny Kaplan. And this is Womanica.
This month, we’re talking about Rebels WITH a cause: women who broke rules that were meant to be broken. These women took major risks to upend the status quo and create meaningful change.
Today we’re talking about a woman who rose above her fears to become the first female president of the Philippines. She led the country to democracy in a way that set a precedent for other countries around the world. Let’s talk about Corazon Aquino!
Maria Corazon Aquino was born on January 25, 1933, in the Tarlac province of the Philippines. Her family was one of the richest families in the region. Their wealth came from their sugar plantation and her father’s business ventures.
From a young age, religion was a big part of Corazon’s life. She went to two Roman Catholic private schools in the Philippines before moving to the United States for high school. In the U.S., she attended Ravenhill Academy in Philadelphia and the Notre Dame Convent School in New York. She received her degree in French and math from the College of Mount St. Vincent in 1953. In school, Corazon had the reputation of being a reserved, but studious Catholic girl.
After college, she returned to the Philippines to pursue a law degree at Far Eastern University. But before Corazon could graduate… she fell in love. She met fellow law student Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr., and by the fall of 1954, the two were married and Corazon had left school. In 1955, the couple welcomed their first child and Corazon turned her attention to raising a family. They had four daughters and a son.
Corazon’s husband Benigno was a rising political star. He became the country’s youngest elected mayor, governor, and senator in less than 20 years. When Ferdinand Marcos became president in 1965, Benigno was one of his loudest critics. As President Marcos’ second, and final, term came to an end, it seemed like Benigno might win the next election.
But Marcos declared martial law. This abolished the Philippine Constitution – and the two term limit the country had for presidential terms.
Marcos then threw Benigno in prison and sentenced him to death. But Benigno was not deterred. He ran for president again…from prison. But this time, he needed his wife’s help. While Benigno remained behind bars, Corazon campaigned and delivered speeches on behalf of her husband. She went from being the devoted wife that stood quietly at his side to the face of his campaign. Benigno reportedly won, but again, Marcos’ corrupt ways allowed him to keep his position.
After seven years in prison, Benigno was released into medical exile and the family moved to Boston. For three years, life was peaceful, and happy. But then Corazon’s world was flipped on its head. On August 21, 1983, Benigno returned to the Philippines, alone. He was assassinated as soon as he set foot on Filipino soil.
A few days later, Corazon landed in the Philippines, to lead her husband’s funeral procession. More than two million people lined the streets.
Benigno’s death lit a fire in Corazon.
She supported the “People Power Revolution” in their anti-Marcos movement. Together they peacefully protested against the current government. In 1986, President Marcos suddenly called another election – to dispel any doubts about his authority, he said With the support of the People Power Revolution, Corazon ran against Marcos. She was hesitant and had little political experience but was guided by the spirit of Benigno and her religion.
Adorned in yellow, Corazon hit the campaign trail. Her rallies brought out thousands of Filipinos, including those who didn’t typically participate in politics. The business community, the Catholic Church, and other significant organizations threw their support behind Corazon as she promised a brighter future.
On February 7, 1986, the polls closed. All signs pointed to Corazon being the winner, but when the government released the final count, Marcos was once again declared President. This time he wouldn’t get away with it. Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos poured into the streets to protest. For three days in late February, Corazon and her supporters engaged in peaceful, nonviolent protests. Although military presence was out in full force, no one was shot or killed.
The protests were successful. On February 25, 1986, Corazon was sworn in as the first female president of the Philippines. Her election represented hope and change for the country. It also showed the world what a peaceful revolution looked like. For this reason, she was voted TIME Magazine’s Person of the Year in 1986.
During her six years in office, Corazon had her ups and downs. She restored the constitution that Marcos had dismantled, made secondary school free, and helped navigate the country through several natural disasters. Despite her limited political knowledge, Corazon transitioned the Philippines from an autocracy to a democracy. She reinstated a freely elected Parliament and re-implemented free and fair local elections. Corazon believed much of her success was due to divine will.
But her presidency wasn’t all smooth sailing. Corazon had to survive multiple coup attempts and calls for her resignation. She struggled to implement the kind of land and economic reform the Filipino people were hoping for. She had campaigned on the promise to put an end to the Communist uprising. But instead of responding to the needs of the left with social and economic reforms, she took military action. This reignited the war against the Communist New People’s Army.
Although she had her shortcomings as a leader, Corazon delivered authenticity. She said, “The only thing I can really offer the Filipino people is my sincerity”. And for a country that was deprived of that for so many years, this is what they craved. She was the social and moral conscience of a country that desperately needed it.
Once Corazon found her voice, she didn’t stop using it – even after her presidency. She was a vocal advocate for ending violence and homelessness. When her successor tried to extend his presidential term, Corazon led a protest of half a million people. And when presidents after her were accused of corruption or cheating, she was in the streets calling for their resignations.
In 2008, Corazon Aquino was diagnosed with cancer. She passed away on August 1, 2009, at the age of 76.
All month, we’re talking about rebels with a cause. For more information, find us on Facebook and Instagram @womanicapodcast.
Special thanks to Liz Kaplan, my favorite sister and co-creator.
Talk to you tomorrow!