SPEAKER LORD ALLAN VELASCO (Photo from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives)
MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco mourned the death of former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, whom he called “a man who dedicated his service to the country.”
Philippine flags at the House of Representatives are also at half-mast to mourn the death of Aquino who also became a part of the lower chamber as a three-term representative of the second district of Tarlac.
“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 in a statement.
“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,” he added.
House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez said Aquino was a “man of integrity” and “a Filipino leader who made it his primary mission to institutionalize good governance reforms.”
“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,” Romualdez said.
“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,” he added.
Aquino served as the country’s 15th president from 2010 to 2016.