Senators on Thursday crossed party lines to offer words of condolences to the family of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and mourn the death of the former leader.
Senator Imelda “Imee” Marcos, a strong political rival of the Aquinos, offered her heartfelt condolences to the family of “PNoy,” who was her “classmate” in the House of Representatives from 1998 to 2007.
“I will always treasure the memories of our long years together as freshmen legislators and members of a tiny opposition,” Marcos said in a statement.
“For beyond politics and much public acrimony, I knew Noynoy the kind and simple soul. He will be deeply missed,” she further said.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III offered his sincere condolences to the Aquino family.
"No matter what political side you're on, when a former president passes away, the country mourns," Sotto said.
For his part, Senator Sonny Angara, expressed his gratitude to Aquino for “continuing the legacy of his esteemed parents” former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino and former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino.
“PNoy introduced widespread reforms and espoused a strong anti-corruption policy during his presidency,” Angara said in a statement.
“’Walang wang-wang, walang counterflow, walang tong, walang tongpats. Kayo ang boss ko.’ These are just some of the quotes of PNoy that are forever etched in the hearts and minds of every Filipino and aptly captures his stance against the abuse of power by the people in power,” said the senator.
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said hearing the news of Aquino’s passing “is heartbreaking.”
“So sad to hear that at a relatively young age of 61, he had passed on to the Great Beyond,” Lacson said.
“As our country’s leader, he did not deserve to be unappreciated. He served his country very well with humility, honor and integrity. Even as President, he always managed to promptly respond to my messages no matter how casual or trivial,” he added.
“It was indeed a privilege to have served with him—both in the Senate and the Executive department—but more than that, to be his friend,” Lacson added.
Sen. Joel Villanueva also admitted he is still in a state of shock upon hearing the demise of the former president.
“I am still shattered in million pieces...The nation lost a leader, and I, a friend. But he was more than that. He was a mentor, a brother to me...He believed in the great talents of our youth, waiting to be unlocked if given good training, right breaks, and inspiring success stories,” Villanueva said.
Villanueva also said he leaves Aquino’s life and works “to history’s kind judgment.”
“When the passion of the present had died down, a fair assessment of his administration will bear the truth of great achievements, brave deecisions and moral leadership,” Villanueva said.
“PNoy spent his post-presidency in the ways he wanted it to be: a simple man, plain citizen Noy, a compassionate tito, never missing the perks and the powers he once wielded,” he emphasized.