Former Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III Dies at 61
Former Philippines President and son of two of the world’s most influential democracy icons, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has passed away at 61. According to his family, the politician died due to renal failure.
MANILA – Former Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III passed away in a Manila hospital on June 24 due to renal failure as a result of diabetes.
The son of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino II and Cory Aquino, two prominent democracy icons, Noynoy took office from 2010 to 2016, and popularized his slogan “Ang Daang Matuwid,” or “the honest and straight path.”
“It is with profound grief that on behalf of our family, I am confirming that our brother, Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III, died peacefully in his sleep,” shared the Aquino family in a statement read by one of four surviving sisters, Pinky Aquino Abellada.
“Mission accomplished, Noy,” his sister added. “Be happy with Mom and Dad.”
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has declared his day of death up until July 3 as a period of mourning. During this time, the Philippine flag must be on half-mast on all government buildings.
“Please accept the love and the prayers of a grateful nation,” said Duterte, adding that he offers his heartfelt condolences to the Aquino family.
A Family of Public Servants
Noynoy’s father was a former senator and used to be one of the biggest critics of former President Ferdinand Marcos who put the country under martial law for two decades. He was assassinated upon his return to the country in 1983.
The death of the icon inspired a movement that led to the 1986 People Power which toppled the Marcos leadership and put Corazon Aquino, Noynoy’s mother, on the presidency. This made her the first female president of the nation.
Before taking the presidency, Noynoy has said that he never wanted to be the President of the country, but his mother’s death in 2009 moved him to go back to the political scene. He ran against Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who was his predecessor.
Noynoy’s Legacy
The former president is famous for eliminating the culture of power abuse by the public and private sector. He also made big moves to eradicate corruption by probing the alleged graft and corruption cases during the administration before him.