Benigno Aquino III

Benigno Aquino III won the Philippine presidential election with 42% of the vote, succeeding Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. His campaign focused on anti-corruption and good governance, continuing the legacy of his parents.

Aquino implemented the Disbursement Acceleration Program to speed up government spending on infrastructure and social services. The program was later criticized by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional for certain fund transfers.

Aquino's administration pursued the impeachment of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona for alleged corruption and failure to disclose assets. Corona was convicted by the Senate, marking the first impeachment of a Philippine chief justice.

Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) struck the Philippines, killing over 6,000 people and causing widespread destruction. Aquino's administration faced criticism for slow response and inadequate preparation, though international aid was mobilized.

Aquino signed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the United States, allowing increased US military presence in Philippine bases. The agreement aimed to strengthen defense ties amid territorial disputes in the South China Sea.