MANILA, Philippines — Friends, family, and former colleagues of late President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III sent him greetings on what was supposed to be his 63rd birthday.
Aquino, who served as a congressman and a senator before becoming the 15th president of the Philippines, was born on February 8, 1960.
In a Facebook post, Aquino’s cousin, former Senator Bam, thanked him for his love for the country.
“Maraming salamat sa inspirasyon, katapatan, at malalim na pagmamahal sa bayan. Sa iyong ala-ala, sisiguraduhin naming hinding hindi maiiwan ang kahit sino man. Maligayang kaarawan, PNoy!,” Bam Aquino said.
(Thank you for the inspiration, honesty and the deep love for the country. In your memory, we will make sure no one will get left behind. Happy birthday, PNoy!)
For his part, former Senator Panfilo Lacson said he “misses” Aquino, describing him as a “public servant who called me and every Filipino his ‘Boss.’”
“I miss this public servant who called me and every Filipino his “Boss”. Heavenly birthday, President Benigno Simeon Aquino III,” Lacson said in a Twitter post.
I miss this public servant who called me and every Filipino his “Boss”. Heavenly birthday, President Benigno Simeon Aquino III. pic.twitter.com/j6lMVCJgFK
— PING LACSON (@iampinglacson) February 7, 2023
Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, meanwhile, touted how Aquino as a president remained honest and did not find ways to earn money or stay in power.
“Bilang pangulo, hindi sya naghanap ng pagkakakitaan. Hindi sya naghangad ng RevGov (revolutionary government) o ChaCha (charter change) para manatili sa pwesto. Hindi sya nang-api ng kapwa. Nanilbihan lang sya nang mahusay at tapat. Happy Birthday, Mr. President!” he said in a Twitter post.
(As President, he did not find ways to earn money. He did not seek revolutionary government or charter change to stay in power. He did not oppress anyone. He served wisely and honestly. Happy Birthday, Mr. President!)
Bilang pangulo, hindi sya naghanap ng pagkakakitaan. Hindi sya naghangad ng RevGov o ChaCha para manatili sa pwesto. Hindi sya nang-api ng kapwa. Nanilbihan lang sya nang mahusay at tapat. Happy Birthday, Mr. President!
Photo credit: GMA News Online pic.twitter.com/hyxzCmgzUR
— Sonny Trillanes IV (@TrillanesSonny) February 8, 2023
On Tuesday, Aquino’s sister Kris penned a heartfelt message for the late president.
Aquino died in 2021 at the age of 61. He is the only son of political leader and his namesake Benigno Simeon Aquino Jr. and the late former president Corazon Aquino.
READ: Ex-president Noynoy Aquino died ‘peacefully in his sleep’ – family