The country endured a "great loss" with the passing of former President Benigno Aquino III, President Duterte said in declaring a 10-day national mourning in honor of his predecessor.
The President has issued Proclamation No. 1169 declaring a "Period of National Mourning" from June 24 to July 3, 2021 following the death of the country's 15th president.
The national flag will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset in all government buildings and installations across the country and abroad during this period.
"The death of Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III, the fifteenth President of the Philippines, is a great loss to the Filipino people, to whose welfare he committed his life fully with fervor and dedication," the President's proclamation read.
"It is fitting to devote a period of national mourning to pay tribute to a respected leader who left a lasting legacy to the Filipino people," it said.
READ: Former President Aquino passes away at 61
Aquino, who pursued a "Daang Matuwid" reform program and secured a legal victory against China's excessive claims in the West Philippine Sea, passed away Thursday, June 24, due to renal disease. The son of the democracy icons Ninoy and Cory Aquino was 61. Aquino's death sparked an outpouring of grief and tribute from family, supporters, and the international community.
His remains have ben cremated and will be buried next to his parents at the Manila Memorial Park on Saturday, June 26, according to his family.
Duterte earlier expressed sadness over Aquino's death, saying he gave his "best" to serve the Filipino nation. He thanked Aquino for his service and hoped that Filipinos will be inspired by his legacy. He has offered his condolences to the Aquino family and promised assistance during this heartbreaking time.
Duterte also made an appeal to Filipinos to set aside differences and unite in prayer following the death of Aquino.
READ: Duterte: Aquino gave his best to serve Filipinos