Legarda Pays Tribute to the late Former President Benigno Aquino III

Three-term Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda expressed her condolences to the family of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, who passed away today, June 24, at the age of 61.

“I would like to express my deepest sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family of former President Noynoy Aquino and to the rest of the Filipino nation as well. We mourn his sudden passing but, at the same time, we would also like to express our gratitude for the service that he rendered as a public servant and his contributions for the betterment of the Filipino people,” Legarda said.

“Apart from working with former President Noynoy in the Senate during the 14th Congress, I was also a Senator when he led the country in 2010. He was always supportive of my advocacies, especially on initiatives related to public health, inclusive and resilient growth, good governance, poverty alleviation, women empowerment and children’s rights,” Legarda added.

“During his Presidency, we enacted vital pieces of legislation such as the Universal Health Care Act, Children’s Health Insurance Program, Rare Disease Act, Green Jobs Act, Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act, NBI Modernization Act, Sugar Cane Industry Development Act, Go Negosyo Act, Philhealth Coverage for Senior Citizens, among many others, and numerous treaties strengthening our bilateral relations with other countries,” recalled Legarda.

“I once again offer my condolences and special prayers to the Aquino family. Former President Noynoy will always be remembered for his firm leadership, hard work and integrity. But more than these attributes, I will remember him as a kind and thoughtful childhood friend. Rest in peace, President Noynoy,” Legarda said.***