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Ninoy Aquino Day is a special non-working day in Philippines to commemorate the assassination of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. on 12 August 1983. People in Philippines observe Ninoy Aquino Day on the anniversary of Benigno Aquino’s assassination date every year. The assassination of Benigno Aquino was the beginning of many rallies in Philippines that led to the collapse of Philippines government led by President Ferdinand Marcos.

When is Ninoy Aquino Day 2012?
Ninoy Aquino Day 2012 falls on Tuesday, 21 August 2012.

Background of Ninoy Aquino Day
Benigno Aquino was a political figure of Philippines who opposed Philippines government led by President Ferdinand Marcos. Through the party of Lakas ng Bayan (LABAN), Benigno Aquino actively criticized the way Ferdinand Marcos ruled the country. He was imprisoned in Philippines for about 7 until 8 years but allowed to get a medication in the United States after suffered a heart attack during his imprisonment.

Staying in the US for three years, Benigno Aquino came back to his country to challenge the incumbent Ferdinant Marcos for the 1984 elections. Benigno Aquino was shot to death when he arrived on Manila International Airport (now Ninoy Aquinoy International Airport) on 21 August 1983. The observance of Ninoy Aquino Day was regulated through the Republic Act 9256 signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Aroyyo on 25 February 2004.

Ninoy Aquino Day 2012 Celebration
Since Ninoy Aquino Day is a special non-working day, many Filipinos use the day to gather with family and friends and get relaxed from the busy daily routines. Some people who experienced the hard time for democracy in Philippines commemorates the day solemnly by recalling and honoring what people have done to establish democracy in their country.

At first, President Gloria Macapagal-Aroyyo decided to observe Ninoy Aquino Day on the nearest Monday to the date of Ninoy Aquino’s assassination in order to create long weekend and boost Philippines tourism. However, President Benigno Aquino III change Ninoy Aquino Day back to its actual date in 2010.

Wish you a happy Ninoy Aquino Day 2012 !