Former Philippine President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino has died, according to multiple sources close to the Aquino family. He was 61.
Aquino was rushed to the Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City on the morning of June 24, 2021. The former president had been undergoing dialysis for the past five months and had undergone a heart operation recently.
The 15th president of the Philippines was the son of former presidents and democracy icons Ninoy and Cory Aquino. In 2010, Aquino was supposed to run as the Vice President of former Senator Manuel ‘Mar’ Roxas II who was gunning for presidency. However, when Cory died in 2009, the two decided to switch places following massive public clamor for the Aquino’s only son to helm the country.
From 2010-2016, Aquino’s presidency witnessed the ‘Daang Matuwid’ platform in his efforts to fight corruption, promote transparency, and help the masses who live in the margins of society. He was also known for his statement ‘Kayo ang boss ko’, addressing all Filipinos as his ‘bosses’ that he and his government served.
All flags across Manila are currently at half-mast to honor the death of the former president.
The country’s only bachelor president to date is survived by his siblings Kris Aquino, Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, Victoria Elisa Aquino-Dee, and Pinky Aquino-Abellada. The Aquino family has yet to issue a statement regarding the death of their only brother.
This is a developing story.
