The death of former President Benigno "Noynoy" S. Aquino III has sent shockwaves across the country, triggering grief and tributes for PNoy from both allies and rivals.
Aquino, who led the country under the "Daang Matuwid" reform agenda from 2010 to 2016, died due to renal failure arising from diabetes, according to his family. He was 61.
Among those sent messages of condolences were President Duterte, former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, former President Joseph Estrada, Vice President Leni Robredo, lawmakers, former Cabinet members, and even former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. Some regarded Aquino's death as heartbreaking while others remembered his humble and principled leadership.
Deedee Siytango, a close family friend, said Aquino had been undergoing dialysis thrice a week in preparation for a kidney transplant before his passing. She said Aquino, who was at home in Quezon City, was rushed to the hospital Thursday.
"He was rushed to the Capitol Medical at 6 a.m. but it was too late. When they got there, I understand he had no more pulse," she said over ANC Thursday. "I am sorry we lost him at the peak of life because he was such a fine boy and grew up to be a morally erect president and we're very proud of him," she added.
Former President Arroyo also reacted soon after she learned about Aquino's death.
"My family and I join the Filipino people in prayers and sympathy on the passing of former President Benigno Aquino III. Aside from his own achievements, he will be remembered as part of the Aquino family that has contributed three important people to the history our nation, Senator Ninoy Aquino and our 11th and 15th presidents, Cory and Noynoy Aquino," she said in a statement.
Aquino, a former senator who ran on a campaign platform of "Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap," succeeded Arroyo after her almost 10-year term ended in 2010. She was jailed for four years on corruption charges soon afterward but was freed from detention in 2016.
Another perceived rival of Aquino, former Senator Marcos, also extended his condolences following the death of the former leader. The two prominent families are known as longtime political enemies.
"The nation mourns together with the Aquino family at the passing of former President Noynoy Aquino. May you rest in peace," Marcos said in a Facebook post.
Robredo, who was endorsed by Aquino as vice presidential bet in 2016, is also saddened by Aquino's demise. She said the former President was "incorruptible, righteous and decent." "I also saw how unaffected by power he was. He remained very simple," she said.
She also recalled how Aquino looked after her and her children after her husband Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo died. Aquino even sent food for her family, she remembered. "He has been my greatest honor to have worked with him, even only for a while. It was a blessing to be his friend," she said.
Four former Cabinet members of Aquino also sent sympathies following the death of the former President and remembered his legacy to the nation.
Former Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the President served the nation "with dedication and humility." Aquino's enduring legacy, he said, was the establishment of good governance and sustained economic growth.
"He was always mindful of his role as 'father of the nation', and that his decisions would affect the lives and welfare of millions. In every meeting at which he presided, he did his homework --- and required those who worked with him to be as thorough --- in studying policy choices to ensure that the decisions would be beneficial to the people," Coloma said.
Coloma likewise remembered Aquino as "a regular guy with his own unique wit and sense of humor." "It was fun working for him --- and that’s why a big number of his Cabinet members worked with him for his entire term from 2010 to 2016," he said.
Former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima also shared the nation's grief on Aquino's passing and offered condolences to the family.
He also lauded Aquino's "principled leadership" that facilitated the country's economic growth during his term.
"The turnaround story of the Philippines – from Asia’s sick man to Asia’s bright star – is without doubt one of his greatest legacies. He left office with a Philippines more optimistic about its future, having ended the vicious cycle of doubt and having entered a virtuous cycle of confidence," he said.
He said Aquino's principled leadership likewise placed "people over politics, prudence over populism, refusing to let expedient electoral games get in the way of his sacred responsibility to the Filipino people."
"His sudden departure – no doubt too soon – leaves us with little time to reflect on his place in history. I am certain there will be a fuller reckoning of his outsized impact on our nation’s trajectory," he said.
"As we celebrate his life and honor his memory, let us turn our deep grief to profound hope. In these difficult times, under the dark cloud of a long pandemic, may his legacy endure to remind and inspire our nation of a bright future we once greeted – and can meet again – if only we rise to the challenges of the moment," he added.
Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto del Rosario recalled his last text exchange with Aquino back in December.
He said when he told Aquino that he was the only person he looked up to and told him to take care, the former leader responded: “Thank you for your kind words, Albert. Stay safe.”
"That was his simple response. There was no opportunity for us to speak again," Del Rosario said.
Former Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Aquino led the country with "honest leadership, decency and civility." "History will judge his governance w/ favor but for now, He belongs to the ages. Paalam, Mr. President," he tweeted Thursday.