FILE PHOTO: President Benigno S. Aquino III attends the ASEAN Summit in South Korea in October 2013. Photo by Ryan Lim
MANILA, Philippines — The diplomatic community on Thursday joined the nation in mourning the passing of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
“[P]resident Aquino elevated the country’s conduct of foreign relations, steered foreign policy toward a principled direction that earned international respect and esteem, and invigorated the foreign service with a collective sense of patriotism, commitment to service and professionalism,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.
Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., in a post on Twitter, also grieved the passing of Aquino.
“I’m out of Twitter from grief over the death of a sea-green incorruptible, brave under armed attack, wounded in crossfire, indifferent to power and its trappings, and ruled our country with a puzzling coldness but only because he hid his feelings so well it was thought he had none,” he said in a series of tweets.
Locsin also gave credit to Aquino’s mother, the late former President Corazon Aquino, whom he served as legal counsel and speechwriter.
“It was the way he and his siblings were raised by a great woman—their mother and of our restored democracy (without her none in power yesterday and today would be),” Locsin said.
“I beg his sisters to allow me the honor to share their grief. He wasn’t fond of me but I could not bring myself not to admire him,” said Locsin.
Last message
Locsin’s predecessor, former Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, recalled the last text message exchange he had with Aquino.
He said that in December last year, he sent Aquino a message, letting him know he was the only person he looks up to.
“I would like you to know, Mr. President, that there is only one person I truly look up to—and that would be you! Take care, sir,” Del Rosario, in a statement, recalled telling Aquino.
“Thank you for your kind words, Albert. Stay safe” was Aquino’s response, he said, adding that there was no other opportunity for them to speak again after that text message exchange.
The European Union (EU) remembered Aquino’s contribution to fostering close relations between the Philippines and the regional bloc.
A great friend
“The EU delegation and family in Manila express their condolences to the Aquino family and the whole nation on the passing of former President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III. Fond memories of his visit to Brussels in 2014,” the group said in a tweet.
“We mourn a friend who pushed for deepening of our relations,” it added.
Germany also shared “great sadness and sorrow” over the death of Aquino, whom it hailed as a “great friend.”
US Embassy in Manila Charge d’ Affaires John Law remembered the partnership between the Philippines and the United States under Aquino.
“On behalf of the US Embassy, I offer our deepest condolences to former President Benigno Aquino III’s family and loved ones at this heartbreaking time. We are saddened by President Aquino’s passing and will always be thankful for our partnership,” Law said in a post on Twitter. INQ
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