MANILA – On Thursday, Malacañang paid respect to former president Benigno Simeon ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III, who died at the age of 61.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque held a memorial service for Aquino’s death during a virtual press conference.
Roque also commended Aquino for his outstanding public service.
”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.
Roque also pleaded the Filipino people to pray for the former president’s eternal repose.
“We’re grateful to the former president for his contributions and services to the country,” he said. “Rest in peace, Mr. President.”
According to sources, Aquino died on Thursday morning at the Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City.
The Aquino family has yet to issue an official statement about his death.
From 2010 to 2016, Aquino served as the country’s 15th president. He previously served as a senator from 2007 to 2010 and as a representative of Tarlac’s 2nd District from 1998 to 2007.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement that his agency joins the rest of the country in grieving Aquino’s death.
“Serving as our country’s leader from 2010-2016, President Aquino advocated the strengthening of our defense and security capabilities to support national development,” Lorenzana said.
Republic Act No. 10349 was adopted during Aquino’s presidency to revive the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.
“As Commander-in-Chief, he recognized the importance of equipping our military to better respond to the evolving domestic and regional security challenges,” Lorenzana said.
He went on to say that the DND is sending its heartfelt condolences to the Aquino family during this tough time.
Former Vice President Jejomar Binay also expressed to the Aquino family his sympathy.
“Noynoy and I may have had political differences but that will not diminish the many years of friendship between our families. My deepest condolences to the family. Godspeed, Pareng Noy,” he said in his remark.
The Philippines protested China’s broad claims on the whole South China Sea (SCS) before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands, during the Aquino administration.
