Binay on Butz: ‘A true friend till the end’

Vice President Jejomar Binay was saddened by the passing of former Senator Agapito “Butz” Aquino, whom he described as  a “true friend till the end.”

“Nalulungkot ako sa pagpanaw ni Senator Agapito “Butz” Aquino, isang tunay na kaibigan hanggang sa dulo,” Binay said in a text message sent shortly after the news broke out on Monday.

“Nakasama ko sa mahabang panahon si Butz, mula nang panahon ng parliament of the streets hanggang sa sya ay mag-retiro sa pulitika. Magkasama kaming nagmartsa sa Makati noong martial law bilang myembro ng August Twenty One Movement (ATOM). Magkasama rin kami sa EDSA noong 1986 nang patalsikin natin ang diktadura at ibalik ang demokrasya,” he said.

(We were together for  a long time since the time  of parliament of the streets until he retired in politics. We were together when we marched in Makati during the martial law years as members of the August Twenty One Movement [ATOM]. We’re also together in 1986 Edsa when we   overthrew the dictatorship and restored democracy.)

Binay  said  the former senator, who also became a congressman, did not use his position or his closeness with President Benigno Aquino III to advance his personal interest.

“Nanatili syang matalik na kaibigan hanggang sa kanyang huling sandali (He remained a dear friend up to the end),”  the Vice President added.

The  Aquinos and Binays are known  friends until the recent exchange  of  accusations between the President and the Vice President.