House leaders mourn over the passing of former President Noynoy Aquino
Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez on Thursday led his colleagues at the House of Representatives in mourning over the passing of former President Benigno ‘’Noynoy’’ Aquino III.
‘’He served our country with utmost integrity and dedication, surely living up to the legacy of his parents Senator Ninoy (Benigno Aquino Jr.) and former President Corazon ‘’Cory’’ Aquino,’’ he said.
Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman said Aquino was a true patriot whose heart is dedicated to the country and served his country, traits that could not be equaled.
‘’Paalam, kapatid kong PNoy! Saludo ako sayo (Goodbye, my brother PNoy! I salute you!). Sa iyong paglisan, baon mo ang aming paggalang, paghanga at pagkilala. Hinding hindi ka namin malilimutan (With your passing, you bring our respect, admiration and friendship), ’’ Hataman added.
House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin G. Romualdez also joined the nation in mourning the passing of former President Noynoy Aquino.
In a statement, Romualdez said:
‘’The news of his death was a shock to all of us. We all grieve for losing him so early — a man of integrity, a Filipino leader who made it his primary mission to institutionalize good governance reforms.
‘’We extend our condolences to his family and loved ones. May you find peace in knowing that he is now back to the loving embrace of our Father.
Rest now former President Aquino. Paalam (goodbye).’’
Bicol Party-List Rep. Alfredo A. Garbin Jr., chairman of the House committee on constitutional amendments, expressed his ‘’deepest and sincerest sympathies with the family, close friends, and former co-workers in public service. I pray for them and for our country in grief.’’
‘’As a former President of our Republic, former President Benigno Aquino III merits the posthumous honors befitting him. This is a time for national mourning to honor a former president,’’ he said.
‘’He made sure the transition to the administration of President Duterte was orderly and constitutional,’’ he added.