MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Thursday expressed its condolences on the “untimely demise” of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
Aquino passed away on Thursday morning. He was 61.
“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,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace briefing.
“We’re grateful for 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. Rest in peace, Mr. President,” he added.
Aquino served as the 15th president of the Philippines from 2010 to 2016.
Asked what Aquino’s legacy would be, Roque said the late former president will be remembered for his “anti-wangwang” policy and being a simple public servant.
“Nakikiramay po kami at ang achievement po niya ay unang una, nanungkulan po siya sa isang demokrasya at siyempre maaalala rin natin ‘yung kanyang order na walang wangwang, at maaalala natin siya bilang isang simpleng public servant na hinalal ng taumbayan,” he said.
(His achievement is that he served under democracy and he will be best remembered by his “no wangwang” order” and we will remember him as a simple public servant elected by the people.)
In a separate statement, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar echoed the Palace’s sentiments and also shared his condolences with the family and loved ones of the late former president.
“We thank former President Aquino for the leadership, contributions, and public service he has imparted to each one of us,” he said.
“Our prayers are with the family and friends of former President Aquino for the eternal repose of his soul,” Andanar added.
Aquino died at 4:30 a.m. on Thursday at the Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City, said a source who served as a senior Cabinet official during the administration of the late former president Corazon Aquino.