1970s
1970
Resource person for the Philippines, International Institute of Strategic Studies, London.
1971
Member, Philippine Delegation, Asian Conference on the Cambodian Question, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Man of the Year, voted by the Philippines Free Press, citing him for the leadership he showed when his party’s leadership was bombed in Plaza Miranda, the Philippines’ equivalent to Hyde Park. He led his Party’s campaign “with courage, with distinction” despite threats to arrest him, made by then President Marcos. He led the Liberal Party to a 6-2 victory in the Philippine Senate elections that November, which catapulted him to become the No. 1 presidential contender in the 1973 elections.
1972
Philippine Delegate, International Conference on Japan and the Evolving World, sponsored by the International Institute for Strategic Studies of London, in Mount Fuji, Japan.
July 4th guest speaker of Filipino communities in Honolulu, Los Angeles and San Francisco, U.S.A.
Sept. 22, 1972
Arrested and detained by the Martial Law regime. Imprisoned in Fort Bonifacio and in Laur, Nueva Ecija for 7 years and 7 months, mostly in solitary confinement.
Mar. 12 – Apr. 11, 1973
Moved to Fort Magsaysay in Laur Nueva Ecija in complete solitary confinement.
Aug. 27, 1973
Brought before Military Commission No. 2; He announced his non-participation in the proceedings in his statement to the Commission.
Apr. 4 – May 13, 1975
While in prison, went on a hunger strike to protest the Commission’s decision forcing him to be present in the proceedings. Ninoy had the opportunity to be free in exchange for his fight for freedom and democracy but repeatedly declined the offer and would rather die for his principles than surrender.
Nov. 25, 1977
Sentenced by Military Commission No. 2 to die by firing squad. Ninoy defended himself with his “closing statement” before the Military Commission No. 2, (he worked on this closing statement from 1975 and finished it in 1977). Details published in the book “Testament From a Prison Cell” by Ninoy Aquino, (A BSAF publication)
1978
While in prison, ran for the Batasang Pambansa under the LABAN ticket. He was not allowed to campaign so 7-year old Kris became his campaigner. As expected LABAN lost to KBL.