Metro Manila mayors mourn death of former president Aquino

MANILA, Philippines (Update 4,  6:16 p.m.) — Metro Manila mayors mourned the passing of former President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III on Thursday morning. 

The fifteenth president of the Philippines died at the Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City. He was 61 years old. 

Philippine flags at the Quezon City hall and the Kartilya monument in the city of Manila were lowered to half-mast to mark Aquino's passing.

READ: Noynoy Aquino, 15th Philippine president, dead at 61

LOOK: Philippine flags at the Quezon City hall and the Kartilya monument in Manila City are lowered to half-mast to mourn the death of former president Benigno Aquino III this morning @PhilstarNews

Photos by Quezon City and Manila City PIOs pic.twitter.com/cMYatkWuQq

— Franco Luna (@francoIuna) June 24, 2021

Aquino ran on a platform of “Daang Matuwid," Filipino fo "the straight and righteous path," and vowed he would eradicate corruption, raise the conditions of people living at the margins of society and instill transparency in governance.

Manila City Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso offered his condolences to the Aquino family, saying: "My heart goes out to you in sorrow."

"We knew him as 'PNoy.' He championed good governance reforms that promoted efficiency and reduced opportunities for corruption. The Philippines was cited as the fastest-growing economy in Asia during his administration," the Manila mayor said. 

"PNoy was a pragmatic man who did the best with the cards that life had dealt him. He inspired us with his unexpected humility. May his legacy continue to lead others to the right path."

Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi also extended his condolences to the family of the former chief executive.

"As a loyal public servant, former President Noynoy fought for Daang Matuwid and the improvement of government services, as well as support for the Filipino poor," Fresnedi said in a statement. 

Fresnedi said Aquino's earlier programs were done for the development of the people of Muntinlupeños. 

"Thank you very much, former President Noynoy, for your sacrifice and love for our country."

'A symbol of good governance'

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte also expressed "great sadness" over Aquino's passing, calling him a "symbol of good governance, anti-corruption, and full transparency."

Belmonte said her mother, the late Betty Go-Belmonte, and former President Cory Aquino, were very close friends, and that this friendship extended throughout the two families. 

She said that she got to spend time with Noynoy through the years and that the two frequently discussed public platforms "to help increase livelihood and alleviate poverty, as well as measures to ensure inclusive growth for communities and various sectors."

"Whether on the public stage or away from the cameras, PNoy's passion for shared progress and his sincere desire for a better Philippines was evident. More importantly, he did his very best to translate this vision into action."

The mayor added that Aquino was instrumental in "strengthening our country's economic foundations, and was instrumental in solidifying institutional processes such as conditional cash transfer programs, bottom-up budgeting procedures, and universal health care services."

"Quezon City mourns with you, and celebrates the outstanding life of a remarkable public servant who devoted his life to pursue and uphold what he called a 'Daang Matuwid,'" she said. 

"I hope that his brand of leadership inspires us all to rise up from the effects of the pandemic, and to emerge as better, more responsible citizens."

Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano said that the city government, together with the people of Pasay, "join the family of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino in praying for the eternal repose of his soul."

"We thank him for serving well our country as president and for all the help he has extended to our people during his presidency," she said. 

Later Thursday, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora also issued a statement offering his condolences to the Aquino family.

"During his term when I was then the Vice Mayor of San Juan, I was able to experience first hand his brand of leadership," Zamora said.

"On behalf of our beloved San Juaneños, I would like to thank you President Aquino for your service to the Filipino people. May you rest in peace."

Metro Manila Development Authority chair Benhur Abalos also said that the MMDA was "one with the nation in mourning the passing."

"We wish the family moment of peace and comfort in this time of grief," he said. The flag at the MMDA's headquarters in Manila was also lowered to half-mast.  — Franco Luna 

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Disclosure: Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte is a shareholder of Philstar Global Corp., which operates digital news outlet Philstar.com. This article was produced following editorial guidelines.