By NEIL RAMOS
Several prominent personalities took to social media to express grief following the passing of Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino.
The country’s 15th president, the only son of former President Corazon Aquino and former Senator Benigno Aquino, passed away Thursday morning at the Capitol Medical Center. He was 61.
Congresswoman Loren Legarda tweeted, “I am deeply saddened to hear about the sudden passing of former President Noynoy Aquino. Thank you for your firm leadership, hard work & integrity. More than these attributes, I will remember him as a kind, thoughtful childhood friend. RIP, PNoy. Prayers for the Aquino family.”
Actor Jake Ejercito, son of former president Joseph Estrada wrote, “Thank you for your service to the nation, Mr. President. May history judge you kindly and may you revel in the presence of your heroic parents. RIP, PNoy.”
His brother, actor-politician Jinggoy Estrada said, “Ako po ay lubos na nakikiramay sa pamilya ni dating Pangulong Noynoy Aquino. I am one with the nation in mourning his loss. Let us honor the life, leadership, and sacrifices he shared to the nation.”
Journalist Ces Drilon added, “It’s a sad sad day. RIP PNoy.”
Singer-songwriter Jim Paredes shared, “PNoy’s Inauguration was APO’s last public performance. Even though we had already announced our retirement a few weeks before, we acceded to his request. Aquino was an audiophile and had a vast CD collection.”
Vice President Leni Robredo: “Nakakadurog ng puso ang balitang wala na si PNoy. Mabuti siyang kaibigan at tapat na Pangulo. He tried to do what was right, even when it was not popular. Tahimik at walang pagod siyang nagtrabaho para makatulong sa marami. He will be missed. Nakikiramay ako sa kanyang pamilya.”
Korina Sanchez, wife of good friend Mar Roxas, posted a photo of Aquino on Instagram, writing, “Sad day. Gone too soon. Many presidents have come and gone. But PNOY I knew. Thank you for your friendship. Most of all, gratitude for service to our country. Godspeed. Bon voyage. Be happy in eternity with your parents, cello Filipino heroes.”
Note that Roxas was among first to rush to the Capitol Medical Center on Thursday, along with Aquino’s sister, Kris.
Meanwhile, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte said in a statement: “The City Government of Davao is one with the nation in praying for the eternal repose of the soul of former President Benigno Aquino III.”
Aquino’s former VP Jojo Binay added: “Noynoy and I may have had political differences during the last few years of his term, but that will not diminish the many years of friendship between our families.”
Other celebrities who paid tribute to Aquino via social media include Sharon Cuneta, Heart Evangelista, Derek Ramsay, Vice Ganda, Kim Chiu.
