THE House of Representatives led by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and Majority Leader Martin Romualdez joined the nation in mourning after the sudden and untimely death of former President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III.

Likewise, former President and Speaker of the House Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the City Government of Davao sent words of sympathy.

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. The entire House of Representatives would like to extend its heartfelt sympathies and condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time,” Velasco said.

Aquino was remembered by his colleagues in the House as a man who dedicated his service to the country as a three-term Representative of the Second District of Tarlac in Congress, a Senator, and 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines.

For his part, Romualdez said the entire nation is saddened by President Aquino’s death and Filipinos are grieving his loss.

“The news of his death was a shock to all of us. We all grieve for losing him so early — a man of integrity, a Filipino leader who made it his primary mission to institutionalize good governance reforms.

We extend our condolences to his family and loved ones. May you find peace in knowing that he is now back to the loving embrace of our Father,” Romualdez said.

Arroyo remembered Aquino as great part of the Philippine history because his family contributed much to regain freedom and democracy.

“My family and I join the Filipino people in prayers and sympathy on the passing of former President Benigno Aquino III. Aside from his own achievements, he will be remembered as part of the Aquino family that has contributed three important people to the history our nation, Senator Ninoy Aquino and our 11th and 15th presidents, Cory and Noynoy Aquino,” Arroyo said.

Cavite Rep. Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga said the passing of Aquino is a big loss not only to his family and friends, but also to the country as a whole.

“ He was very successful in his fight against corruption, transparency, public accountability and keeping democracy alive.My family joins our fellow Filipinos with thoughts of comfort and extending our sincere sympathies to the Aquino family during this very painful time,” Barzaga said.

Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez offered prayers for the soul of Aquino and for the grieving family.

Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor said Aquino is not just a colleague in the 11th Congress but also a friend with fond memories.

“While our lives are enmeshed in politics and there may have been differences at certain periods of time , we have remained good friends throughout the years. He is too young to die and today is a day of mourning. May he rest in peace,” Defensor said.

For his part, Deputy Speaker and Basila Rep. Mujiv Hataman said he is proud of Aquino for showing his dedication to work, love to country and Filipino people and for leading a good governance.

“Hindi lang tayo nawalan ng isang haligi ng ating bansa, nawalan din tayo ng matapat at mabuting kaibigan.

Isa si PNoy sa matagal ko nang nakasama sa ating pakikibaka sa buhay at pulitika. Matagal kaming nagkasama sa Kamara bago siya naluklok bilang senador. At kahit na nung naging Pangulo siya noong 2010, hindi nagbago ang kanyang personalidad: simple, walang ere, magaan kasama, laging andiyan pag kailangan mo, at laging handang tumulong sayo. Barkada, ika nga.

Tunay na makabayan, may puso para sa bayan, tapat na panunungkulan, hindi matatawaran,” Hataman said.

The Davao Citygovernment is one with the nation in praying for the eternal repose of the soul of the former president.

The Philippine flag in Davao City will be flown at half-mast until Aquino’s burial.