Corazon Aquino

Born Jan. 25, 1933, Manila, Philippines.

In full Maria Corazon ( "Cory") Aquino, nee Conjuangco, Philippine politician ( from 1983) and first woman president (1986-92) of the country.

Corazon Cojuangco was born into a wealthy, politically prominent family based in Tarlac province, north of Manila.

She studied and graduated at Mount St. Vincent College in New York City in 1954 but abandoned further studies in 1955 to marry Benigno Simeon Aquino, Jun. (1932-1983) , a young politician who became the chief political opponent to President Ferdinand Marcos. Corazon remained in the background during her husband's subsequent career, rearing their five children at home.

However, in 1972 Marcos imposed martial law and imprisoned her husband for eight years (1972-80).

After his release, Corazon accompanied him into exile in the United States in 1980. Benigno was assassinated on his return from exile to the Philippines in August 1983. This event became the focal point of a renewed and more heavily supported opposition to the Marcos government. After her husband's death she became more politically active.

When Marcos unexpectedly called for presidential elections in February 1986, Corazon Aquino was drafted by the opposition and announced her candidacy. She claimed victory over Marcos, accusing the government of ballot-rigging. She took up her husband's cause, leading a non-violent "peoples power" campaign which succeeded in overthrowing Marcos, who then accepted asylum in the United States.

Aquino assumed the presidency, becoming the first woman president of the country.

As president, Aquino's great personal popularity and widespread international support were instrumental in establishing the new government. Shortly after taking office, she proclaimed a provisional constitution and introduced a new constitution, which was ratified by a landslide popular vote in February 1987. But she failed to undertake fundamental economic or social reforms and the promised changes and improvements largely failed to materialize during her term in office, which was plagued by economic difficulties and ineffectual leadership. Despite several coup attempts and a mixed record of success, Corazon Aquino remained in office for more than six years. She did not stand for re-election in 1992 and was succeeded by her long-time supporter and former defence secretary, Fidel Ramos.