Flag The Philippine flag is flown at half-mast at the House of Representatives following the passing of former President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino lll Thursday morning at the Capitol Medical Center. Photo by VER NOVENO

Romualdez: Noynoy a man of integrity

June 24, 2021 Ryan Ponce Pacpaco 769 views

PH leaders mourns passing of ex-president

I JOIN the nation in mourning the passing of former President Noynoy Aquino. 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.”

Thus House Majority Leader and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin G. Romualdez said as he led House leaders in expressing their profound condolences to the family of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

The former president passed away early morning Thursday.

“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. Rest now former President Aquino. Paalam,” Romualdez added.

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said “former President Benigno Aquino III 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. The following leaders also expressed their condolences to Aquino’s family:

Cavite Rep. Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga, Jr.: Aquino’s passing was a big loss not only to his family and friends, but also to our 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.”

Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor: “As a colleague in the 11th congress and as a friend, President Noy and I have shared 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.”

Deputy Speaker and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman:“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. Ito ang mga katangiang hinangaan ko kay Pangulong PNoy. Tinrato mong ‘Boss’ ang mga Pilipino! Ito rin ang mga katangiang kanyang ipinamalas sa kanyang mga opisyal na kapasidad. Paalam, kapatid kong PNoy! Saludo ako sayo! Sa iyong paglisan, baon mo ang aming paggalang, paghanga at pagkilala. Hinding hindi ka naming malilimutan!”

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco: “The entire House of Representatives would like to extend its heartfelt sympathies and condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time. 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.”

Deputy Speaker and 1-Pacman party-list Rep. Mikee Romero:“His contribution to our nation will surely be remembered by generations to come. Paalam, Pangulong Noynoy.”

Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin: “As a former President of our Republic, former President Benigno Aquino III merits the posthumous honors befitting him. This is a time for national mourning to honor a former President. He made sure the transition to the administration of President Rodrigo was orderly and constitutional. Though he was regarded as in the political opposition after he stepped down from the presidency, he lived a largely quiet life after Malacanang, spent mostly with family and close friends. I leave to history how his life and public service will measure up to all the presidents of our nation—past, present, and future.”

Former Samar Rep. Mel Senen Sarmiento, ex-secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG): “He took the reins of government at a time when people were clamoring for a true and meaningful change. Under his leadership, he restored the integrity of the government which was besieged by allegations of corruption and patronage politics.”

Samar Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento, chairman of the House committee on transportation: “Like his parents, he served our Country so well. Our nation is grateful for your service.”

Ang Probinsiyano party-list Rep. Ronnie Ong: “Thank you President Noy for your years of service to our country and to the Filipino people. You will always be remembered by the nation.”

Former Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte, Jr.: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of former President Benigno S. Aquino III. He leaves behind a legacy of service. His single-minded dedication to his duties and responsibilities, his campaign against corruption, and his unquestionable integrity were the hallmarks of his administration. His code of conduct was Daang Matuwid, and he lived that reality. I join the Filipino people in expressing our deepest sympathies to Ballsy, Pinky, Viel, Kris and the whole Aquino family.”

Deputy Speaker and Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali “Boyet” Gonzales II: “My family and I want to impart our deepest sadness and sincerest condolences to the Aquino family on the passing of our Former President Benigno Simeon Aquino III. His humility as a person and integrity as a leader is also unquestionable. Rest in peace, Mr. President. You have served our country well.”

House Assistant Majority Leader and AMIN party-list Rep. Amihilda Sangcopan “Kami sa Anak Mindanao – AMIN Partylist ay nakikiramay sa pagpanaw ni Pres. Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III. We join the nation in paying our final respects to the passing of this graceful and great leader. Our prayers goes to you, Pres. Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III. Maraming salamat po sa iyong mga mabubuting halimbawa at ambag sa bayan, lipunan at mamamayang Pilipino!”

House Assistant Majority Leader and ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Niña Taduran “President Aquino was the leader who brought China to court. His unrelenting drive to defend the country’s rights over certain areas in the West Philippines Sea shook the feathers of those who are trying to encroach on our territory. The Permanent Court of Arbitration decided in our favor that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the ‘nine-dash line.’ And for this, we are forever grateful. The former President fought strongly for Mary Jane Veloso’s life. He did not stop pleading to the Indonesian government until the last minute. Speaking as an advocate for the welfare of the OFWs, what Aquino did was highly admirable and should be emulated by other leaders of our country.”

Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III: “His diminishes us all. Sincerest condolences from the Senate and my family to the family of President Benigno C. Aquino 111.No matter what political side you’re on, when a former president passes away, the country mourns.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto: “When politics clashed with the principles he held dear, he would choose the latter, even at the expense of friendships and alliances a leader must maintain in order to govern.He preferred silent, solid work over flamboyance. He took care of his country during his watch.”

Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri: “Through his time as Congressman, as Senator, and eventually as President, he was able to balance the weight of being an Aquino—carrying all the history of the name, and all the expectations that came with it—while also carving a path for himself. We have lost a dedicated leader.”

Senator Joel Villanueva: “If I was Tesdaman, he was the TESDA Godfather. PNoy spent his post-presidency in the ways he wanted it to be: a simple man, plain Citizen Noy, a compassionate tito, never missing the perks and the powers he once wielded.”

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, a Liberal Partymate of Aquino: “The nation has lost a gentleman who served his country well – with all honesty and sincerity and with the purest of intentions.

Senator Panfilo Lacson: “ He served his country very well with humility, honor and integrity. It was indeed a privilege to have served with him – both in the Senate and the Executive Department, but more than that, to be his friend.”

Senator Sonny Angara: “Walang wang-wang, walang counterflow, walang tong’ ‘Walang tongpats’ ‘Kayo ang boss ko. These are just some of the quotes of PNoy that are forever etched in the hearts and minds of every Filipino.”

Senator Imee Marcos:” I will always treasure the memories of our long years together as freshmen legislators and members of a tiny opposition. For beyond politics and much public acrimony, I knew Noynoy the kind and simple soul. He will be deeply missed.”

Senator Grace Poe: “Ipinakita sa atin ni PNoy ang kahalagahan ng mabuting kalooban sa isang pinuno: walang pag-iimbot sa kapwa, malinis ang intensyon, at walang pagkagahaman sa kapangyarihan. Pinapahalagahan namin ang iyong matapat na paglilingkod, PNoy.”

Senator Lito Lapid: “Naging makahulugan ang kanyang pamumuno sa panahong kailangan ng bansa ng isang lider na matuwid at tunay na umalalay sa atin sa tamang daan.”

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno: “I offer my condolences to the family of former President Benigno “Noynoy” S. Aquino III. My heart goes out to you in your time of sorrow. As the leader of our nation, we knew him as “PNoy.” He championed good governance reforms that promoted efficiency and reduced opportunities for corruption. The Philippines was cited as the fastest-growing economy in Asia during his administration. PNoy was a pragmatic man who did the best with the cards that life had dealt him. He inspired us with his unexpected humility. May his legacy continue to lead others to the right path.”

AUTHOR PROFILE