Noynoy Aquino continued our parents’ unfinished vision, says sister Ballsy

MANILA, Philippines — “Si Noy ay pinili ng ating mahal na Ama na mauna sa aming lahat na makapiling uli ang aming mga magulang kasi siya ang nagpatuloy ng kanilang mga hindi natapos.”

Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, the sister of former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, while in tears, had this to say Saturday as she paid tribute to her deceased brother during the funeral mass at the Church of Gesu at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City. 

Their parents are democracy icons Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and former President Corazon Aquino.

Aquino-Cruz said her brother was the type who never wanted to be a “burden” to his family.

“Si Noy ayaw nya talaga na maging pabigat siya. Ayaw niya na kami’y nagaalala at ayaw nya na hindi kami nakakatulog dahil sa pag-iisip sa kanya,” Aquino-Cruz said during the funeral mass for the later former chief executive.

“Ngayon, nabutas na ang aming pagsasamahan. Nawala na yung gitna. Hindi na uli kami magiging kumpleto,” she added.

Despite the pain, Aquino-Cruz said they will always be proud and thankful of their brother.

“To the man we were so blessed to have as our brother, habangbuhay ka naming ipagmamalaki, pasasalamatan, hahanap-hanapin, at mamahalin,” Aquino-Cruz said.

Aquino died in his sleep on the morning of June 24.

He was 61.

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