Ninoy Aquino is widely remembered as one of the most influential political figures in Philippine history, particularly for his opposition to the authoritarian rule of President Ferdinand Marcos. While he was a senator and an opposition leader, he never became president, and thus never had an official vice president. However, the question of the Vice President of Ninoy Aquino often arises due to misunderstandings or historical curiosity regarding his political alliances, his potential plans if he had become president, and the political landscape surrounding his legacy. Understanding this topic requires delving into the context of his political life and the people who stood beside him during his struggle for democracy.
Ninoy Aquino’s Political Career and Influence
Benigno Ninoy Aquino Jr. was a prominent senator and a leading voice in the opposition against President Ferdinand Marcos during the 1970s. He was a charismatic orator, a gifted writer, and a skilled strategist who many believed would eventually become president if not for the imposition of Martial Law in 1972 and his subsequent imprisonment.
Although Ninoy never held the presidency, he was seen by many as the rightful political successor to a democratic Philippines. His leadership during the resistance against Marcos made him the symbolic head of a movement that later culminated in the 1986 People Power Revolution.
Was There a Vice President to Ninoy Aquino?
Technically, there was never a Vice President to Ninoy Aquino because he did not become president nor did he officially run in a general election where he had a running mate. However, during the years of resistance, several political allies and figures were closely associated with him, and some might be considered his de facto second-in-command or potential vice-presidential running mate had he been given the opportunity to run.
Key Political Allies of Ninoy Aquino
To understand the idea of a Vice President in the context of Ninoy Aquino, it’s helpful to explore the political personalities who stood by him and supported his vision for the country. These individuals worked alongside him in the opposition and played critical roles during and after his life.
- Lorenzo Tañada: A senior statesman and nationalist, Tañada was one of Ninoy’s most prominent allies. Though much older, he supported Ninoy’s fight against the Marcos dictatorship and was considered a father figure in the democratic movement.
- Doy Laurel: Salvador Doy Laurel was a close ally of the Aquino family and would later run as Vice President under Corazon Aquino in the 1986 snap elections. Many historians suggest that had Ninoy survived and run for president, Doy Laurel may have been his ideal vice-presidential partner.
- Jose W. Diokno: A fellow senator and human rights advocate, Diokno was imprisoned alongside Ninoy and was a staunch defender of civil liberties. He shared similar ideals and could have served in a key leadership role had Ninoy come to power.
Doy Laurel’s Connection to Ninoy
Salvador Doy Laurel’s connection to the Aquino family was particularly significant. After Ninoy Aquino’s assassination in 1983, the opposition sought to unify under a single banner. When the 1986 snap elections were announced by Marcos, the opposition first offered the candidacy to Doy Laurel. However, the massive outpouring of public support for Ninoy’s widow, Corazon Aquino, changed the course of history.
In a show of unity, Doy Laurel stepped aside and agreed to run as vice president under Cory Aquino. This joint ticket was successful and marked the end of the Marcos regime. While Doy served under Cory, his collaboration with Ninoy during the dictatorship years made him one of the closest figures to what could be imagined as a vice president had Ninoy lived to lead a government himself.
The Hypothetical Aquino Administration
If Ninoy Aquino had not been assassinated upon his return from exile in 1983, it is likely that he would have become the opposition’s candidate for the presidency in the snap elections. Given his popularity and moral authority, a ticket led by Ninoy would have garnered wide support from the masses and political elites alike.
In such a scenario, several key figures might have been considered for vice president:
- Doy Laurel: A natural choice due to his legal mind, nationalist credentials, and long-standing opposition to Marcos.
- Jose Diokno: Valued for his intellectual leadership and principled stance on human rights and democracy.
- Butz Aquino: Ninoy’s younger brother, who played an important role in the People Power movement, though less likely due to familial ties and lack of national political experience at the time.
The Assassination and Its Aftermath
Ninoy’s assassination on August 21, 1983, was a pivotal moment in Philippine history. It shocked the nation and inspired millions to rise against the dictatorship. While he never held office, his legacy became the foundation upon which the opposition united.
The person who stepped into the role of unifier and moral leader after Ninoy’s death was his wife, Corazon Aquino. She embodied the spirit of Ninoy’s dream for a free and just Philippines and led the country through a peaceful transition to democracy. Her vice president, Doy Laurel, was a close political ally of Ninoy and symbolized continuity in the leadership ideals they both shared.
Legacy of Ninoy Aquino and His Political Vision
Ninoy Aquino’s political vision was built on democratic values, good governance, and national dignity. Even without holding the presidency, his ideas lived on through the people who worked alongside him and those who followed in his footsteps. The position of vice president, though never officially filled during his political career, was conceptually reflected in his alliances with trusted figures like Doy Laurel and Jose Diokno.
These men not only supported him but also helped translate his vision into reality after his death. The unity and sacrifice shown by the opposition leaders during the 1980s ensured the restoration of democracy in the Philippines and cemented Ninoy’s place as a national hero.
While there was never an official Vice President of Ninoy Aquino, many political allies and contemporaries stood by his side in the fight for Philippine democracy. Figures like Salvador Doy Laurel, Jose Diokno, and Lorenzo Tañada played instrumental roles during the dictatorship and carried forward the ideals that Ninoy championed.
The idea of a vice president in the context of Ninoy’s political life is symbolic rather than literal. It represents the shared leadership, courage, and moral conviction of a group of Filipinos who resisted tyranny and paved the way for freedom. Ninoy Aquino’s influence remains deeply rooted in Philippine politics, and the legacy of those who might have served with him continues to inspire future generations.