Thank you, Mr President

President Benigno Aquino III stood for integrity, simplicity and dynamism. Like his parents, his legacy will remain in the hearts and minds of all FIlipinos

- Chit L Lijauco

After his presidency in 2016, Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III withdrew from the public eye. No one was surprised; privacy has always been a cherished privilege in the Aquino family. His deteriorating health was thus unbeknownst to many outside his circle of family, friends and loyal aides and the announcement of his death on June 24 no less a shock to the nation.

In an official statement, the family shared that the only son died peacefully in his sleep due to renal disease, secondary to diabetes. At age 61 when he died, he was apparently undergoing medical treatments for a lot of major health issues concerning his heart, lungs and kidney.