Noynoy Aquino’s death ‘a big loss to the nation,’ says Sen. Go

Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go (Screen grab/Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has sent condolences to the Aquino family on the passing of former President Benigno Simeon Aquino III last Thursday.

Go said Aquino, whom he met during the latter’s visits to Davao City, was a good friend and a big loss to the Filipino people.

“I mourn the untimely passing of former President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III. I sincerely and deeply condole with his family and friends,” Go said during his attendance at the unveiling ceremony of two commemorative stamps launched by the Philippine Postal Corporation to mark the 450th anniversary of the founding of the City of Manila on Thursday.

“Ako po ay nakikiramay, malaki pong kawalan sa ating bayan si sir President Noynoy Aquino. At sa kanyang pamilya, kaibigan ko naman po ang kanyang kapatid na si Kris,” he added.

The senator recalled his light moments with Aquino every time the latter visited Davao City and the numerous occasions they crossed paths.

“Kasama namin ni Pangulong Duterte si dating Pangulo Noynoy Aquino, noong 2009, 2010 noong tumakbo po siyang Pangulo. Nandiyan po sa litrato at pinagkampanya po ni Pangulong Duterte dahil na rin po ‘yun sa paniniwala at utang na loob ni then Mayor Duterte sa pamilya ni Noynoy Aquino dahil in-appoint po siyang Bise Mayor noong 1986. Nakakalungkot po na sa napakabatang edad pa na pumanaw po,” said Go.

He added that Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea was already instructed by President Duterte to extend all courtesies due Aquino, as a former president of the country, and to his family.

After the Manila event, Go attended the inauguration of the Manila COVID-19 Field Hospital at the Burnham Green in Rizal Park.

In an earlier statement, Go expressed his sympathies on the death of Aquino and praised his work in serving the Filipino people.

“I join a grateful nation in prayers for the eternal repose of his soul and for the strength of his family in grief. May the late president’s siblings and relatives find comfort in the thought that we are thankful to him for having dedicated his life in the service of the country and our people,” he said.

“Mataas po ang respeto namin ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte kay former president Noynoy Aquino. Nakasama namin siya sa maraming mga okasyon lalo na sa kanyang pagtakbo bilang pangulo noong 2010 at nasilayan namin ang kanyang tunay na pagmamahal sa kapwa Pilipino. Salamat po sa inyong serbisyo sa taumbayan,” he added.