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On This Day: August 21

Aug 21, 2020
1 min read

Updated: Aug 27, 2020

by Hannah Gabling

August 21 was declared Ninoy Aquino Day in 2004. The Republic Act No. 9256 proclaimed this day as an annual special non-working holiday in commemoration of the former Philippine Senator Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino, Jr.'s death anniversary. Aquino was an influential figure known as an opposition leader during the Martial Law era. Upon his return from exile, he was fatally shot on the tarmac of the Manila International Airport (now Ninoy Aquino International Airport). His death sparked a series of protests which ultimately lead to the historic People Power Revolution that toppled the Marcos regime.