By ELLA MARIE MERCADO
The death of former president Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III rattled the morning of Filipinos on June 24.
The Aquino family has yet to issue an official statement but he was reportedly rushed to the Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City early morning of June 24 and passed away shortly after. He was 61 years old.
President Noynoy, or PNoy, served nine years in the Lower House before his presidency in 2010 that lasted until 2016.
Celebrities and personalities also recalled their memories of the country’s former leader to mourn his passing.
TV broadcaster Ces Oreña-Drilon paid an online tribute to Aquino on her Twitter account, recalling her experience during his presidential campaign back in 2010.
“It’s a sad, sad day. RIP PNoy,” the journalist also wrote on a separate tweet.
Other artists expressed their grief over the passing of PNoy on their online social media accounts.
Singer and actress Sharon Cuneta took to her Instagram to express her condolences to the bereaved family.
“May God hold you all tightly in his arms as you go through this difficult time…” she wrote.
Broadcaster Korina Sanchez-Roxas wrote on the former president’s passing: “Gone too soon.”
“Many presidents have come and gone. But PNoy I knew. Thank you for the friendship. Most of all gratitude for service to the country.”
“You insisted on calling us your Bosses. Walang Corrupt, Walang Mahirap,” singer Leah Navarro captioned a post with a picture of a yellow ribbon, the signature symbol of the Aquinos.
“It was an honor to serve you,” the singer added.
Singer Jim Paredes of the APO Hiking Society took to social media, too, to lament the loss of PNoy, a friend he greatly admired.
“A friend I greatly admired has passed on. It is shattering. I give you my fervent, respectful salute for all you have done,” the singer said.
Jake Ejercito, son of another former president Erap Estrada, wrote: “May history judge you kindly and may you revel in the presence of your heroic parents. RIP, PNoy.”
Here’s how other personalities are reacting to the former president’s death.
Actress and activist Agot Isidro wrote, “Sad, sad morning” almost as soon as the death was confirmed.
“Thank you for your service and love for our country,” TV host Bianca Gonzalez said in her post.
Actress Alex Gonzaga-Morada and Janine Gutierrez expressed their grief over the former president’s death on Twitter, too.
“Rest in peace,” they wrote in separate tweets.
“Thank you for your service,” Janine added.
Actor, singer and host Christian Bautista also took to Twitter to extend his condolences to the family.
On Twitter, Liza Soberano also sent her condolences.
Over on Instagram, singer-songwriter, Ogie Alcasid posted the former president’s yellow ribbon insignia, while offering his condolences to the family.
“Lubos na pakikiramay sa iyong mga mahal sa buhay — Kumareng Kris, Ballsy, Pinky at Viel at sa buong angkang Cojuangco-Aquino,” he wrote.
Rest in peace, PNoy.
