By Alec Go
Malacañang, top officials, and former leaders mourned the untimely passing of former President Benigno Simeon Aquino III on Thursday morning, June 24.
The former chief executive was rushed to the Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City, where he passed away at the age of 61.
President Rodrigo Duterte in a statement on Thursday evening said he joins the nation in mourning and asked the nation “to unite in prayer and set aside our differences” in paying respect “to a leader who has given his best to serve the Filipino people.”
Duterte thanked the former president for his service, and assured his family of “government assistance in this period of mourning.“
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque began his regular press briefing with a moment of silence and prayer for the late president. All flags at the Malacañan Palace, other government offices, and universities fly at half-mast as of Thursday afternoon.
“We commiserate and condole with the family and loved ones of former President Benigno Simeon ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III, as we extend our condolences on his untimely demise,” Roque said.
“We’re grateful [to] the former President for his contribution and services to the country, and we ask our people to offer a prayer for the eternal repose of the former Chief Executive,” Roque added.
The Palace spokesperson said among the primary achievements of Aquino during his administration, previous to the current one, was his service under democracy, and that he can be remembered as a “simple public servant” elected by the people.
He said the late president’s family has the option to inter his remains at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
Vice President Leni Robredo said the passing of a true friend and upright president was heartbreaking. “He tried to do what was right, even when it was not popular. Tahimik at walang pagod siyang nagtrabaho para makatulong sa marami,” she tweeted.
“Ibinuhos niya ang lahat ng enerhiya sa paglilingkod. He served with passion and a deep sense of commitment to the Constitution and the country,” Robredo said in a video release.
The incumbent VP’s late husband Jesse Robredo was the Interior secretary during the previous administration. Robredo said Aquino was a “kind, steady presence” after her husband’s plane crash.
Former Vice President Jejomar Binay, who served under the Aquino administration, said their friendship remained despite political differences.
“Noynoy and I may have had political differences during the last few years of his term, but that will not diminish the many years of friendship between our families,” Binay tweeted.
Noynoy and I may have had political differences during the last few years of his term, but that will not diminish the many years of friendship between our families.
My deepest condolences to the family. Godspeed, Pareng Noy.
— Jejomar C. Binay (@JojoCBinay) June 24, 2021
In a separate statement, former President Gloria Arroyo, whom Aquino succeeded, said they join in “prayers and sympathy” with the country’s grief.
“Aside from his own achievements, he will be remembered as part of the Aquino family that has contributed three important people to the history of our nation: Senator Ninoy Aquino, and our 11th and 15th presidents, Cory and Noynoy Aquino,” she stated.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III also condoled the bereaved family. House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, likewise, said they were “saddened” by the demise of Aquino.
“No matter what political side you’re on, when a former president passes away, the country mourns. His death diminishes us all,” Sotto said.
“The nation mourns with you and celebrates the life of a man who dedicated his service to the country as a three-term Representative of the Second District of Tarlac in Congress, Senator, and President of the Republic of the Philippines,” Velasco said. -jlo
