The Aquino sisters said their brother, former president Benigno Aquino III accomplished his mission. Noynoy died Thursday morning.
According to the Aquino sisters, their brother this morning due to renal disease secondary to diabetes. They said Noynoy died peacefully in his sleep at 6:30 a.m.
“Mission accomplished ka, Noy. Be happy now with Dad and Mom,” Pinky Aquino-Abellada, one of Noynoy’s sisters, said as she read the family’s statement.
“We love you, and we are so blessed to have had the privilege to have had you as our brother. We’ll miss you forever,” she added.
The sisters praised Noynoy for remaining silent as he faced accusations and criticisms after his term as president ended.
“Natatak sa aming mga magkakapatid na noong sinabihan namin siyang magsalita at labanan ang mga maling haka-haka, simple ang sinagot niya – kaya pa niyang matulog sa gabi,” the Aquino sisters said.
(We remembered that we told him that he should speak against the allegations thrown at him, he just simply responded that he could still sleep at night.)
Aquino sisters to Noynoy: ‘Mission accomplished ka’
In July 2017, criminal charges were filed against Aquino for usurpation of authority under the Revised Penal Code and violating anti-graft and corruption laws. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales cited the involvement of then suspended Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima in the 2015 Mamasapano police operation against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, where 44 Special Action Force members were killed.
Under the Revised Penal Code, suspended public officials cannot perform their duties or interfere in government affairs. Aquino’s former Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that Aquino plans to file a motion for reconsideration to appeal the charges.
In 2018, Aquino was indicted in a $1.35 billion criminal case involving congressional approval to use state funds on major government projects.
“Because when you enter public service, when you serve with honesty and dignity, and you know you have committed no crimes against the people, hindi ka matatakot magsabi ng totoo,” the Aquino sisters said.
Noynoy’s remains were brought to Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.