Democracy News

Aquino Wins Election in Philippines
June 9, 2010
By: Benjamin Russell | Printer Friendly

Benigno Aquino III was officially declared the winner of the Philippines’ presidential election on June 8, after beating his nearest rival and former president Joseph Estrada by a considerable margin.  Though Aquino’s victory has been assured for some time, vote counting for the election, which took place on May 10, was not completed until yesterday.

Aquino’s mother and father, both of whom are deceased, were highly-respected Filipino politicians and leaders of the opposition movement against former dictator Ferdinand Marcos.  Aquino says he had not considered running for president until after his mother passed away last year.

Aquino will now be tasked with tackling Marxist and Muslim insurgencies, a restive military, violent crimes and political strife, according to the Associated Press.  "The problems I will be inheriting are still growing to this very day and, perhaps, to the last day," Aquino told reporters Monday, adding his incoming administration has to produce results in the first two years to meet the public's high expectations.

Aquino’s political career began in the House, where he served three terms before being elected to the Senate in 2007. 

For more on the Philippines Elections, please see:
Despite Concerns, Philippine Elections Hailed a Success

Sources:

Associated Press – Aquino Victorious in Philippine Presidential Race