Family, friends, and supporters of the late President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III quietly observed the 40 days since his passing with 40 masses livestreamed across country.
Aquino family friend Fr. Manuel “Manoling” Francisco presided over the main Eucharistic celebration at 5 p.m on Sunday, August 1, to mark the 40th day of Aquino’s death.
The mass was held at the Sacred Heart Chapel in the Church of Gesu at the Ateneo De Manila University, the alma mater of the former president.
It was aired live by the official pages of Vice President Leni Robredo and the Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership on Facebook.
The mass was held also in commemoration of the 12th death anniversary of Noynoy’s mother, former president Corazon “Cory” Aquino.
In her online message, Robredo remembered Aquino as “good, excellent, and dignified” leader who was true to his mandate.
The vice president also noted that Noynoy never plastered his name on billboards, and that he never stole or lied.
“Nanatili siya sa tuwid na daan dahil tayo ang boss niya (He stayed on a straight path because we are his boss). He always carried himself with honor and dignity dito man sa Pilipinas o kaharap ang ibang (here in the Philippines or before other) heads of state dahil alam niyang (because he knows) his words and actions reflect who we are as a people,” she said.
READ: Best tribute for PNoy’s legacy is to ‘stand’ for PH—Robredo
Robredo also thanked the late Chief Executive for his valuable contribution to the country in her speech following the mass.
“Kung worth fighting for kami, mas lalo kang worth fighting for (If we are worth fighting for, you are also more worth fighting for),” she said, honoring Noynoy for his legacy and principles.
Joining the mass were Noynoy’s nieces and nephews while former Senator Benigno 'Bam' Aquino IV, his cousin, was the host of the online event.
The former senator recalled the leadership style of Noynoy and his personal mantra in governance—“Kayo ang Boss Ko”—which was the theme for his 40th day.
“Tayo and boss ng mga pinuno ng bayan. At iyon po ang pamumuno ni President Noy mula sa simula ng kanyang liderato hanggang sa kanyang pagpanaw (We are the boss of the country’s leaders. And that’s the leadership style of President Noy since the start of his term until his death),” Aquino said.
In a Facebook post, former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV bade his final “farewell to my President.”
READ: PNoy had a soft spot for soldiers—Trillanes
“Sa ika-40th day ng pagluluksa, muling alalahanin natin ang mga magagandang ginawa ni PNoy sa ating bansa (On the 40th day of mourning, let us remember again the good things Pnoy had done for our country,” he said.
Aquino, who served as the 15th President of the Philippines from 2010 to 2016, died in his sleep on June 24 i due to renal disease secondary to diabetes. He was 61.
His cremated remains now lie beside the tomb of his parents, former President Corazon Aquino and former Senator Ninoy Aquino, who are both regarded as the country’s democracy icons.