
Former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III was in and out of the hospital prior to his death.
This was revealed by his sister Pinky Aquino-Abellada in a prepared statement confirming the death of the country's 15th president.
“Bago pa man ang pandemic, labas-masok na siya sa ospital. Nais naming magpasalamat sa lahat ng mga duktor, at sa buong medical team na nag-alaga sa kapatid namin,” the statement reads.
“Naramdaman naming bilang mga kapatid niya, that they did everything to make him comfortable, they became compassionate friends who gave him true respect by valuing and protecting his legacy.”
Pinky-- who appeared before the media with her sisters Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, Viel Aquino-Dee, and TV host-actress Kris Aquino--went on to thank all the friends and aides, including priests and nuns, who stood by their brother's side as he battled ill-health.
They also expressed gratitude to the people who voted for Aquino throughout his political career.
Aquino served as a congressman representing the 2nd district of Tarlac from 1998 to 2007.
He won a senate seat in 2007 and served until 2010.
On June 30, 2010, he officially became the country's 15th president after garnering 15.2 million votes.
Aquino served as president from 2010 to 2016, succeeding Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
“Habang buhay naming tatanawin na utang na loob yung naibigay nyo sa aming kapatid. Maraming salamat.”
Aquino died of renal disease due to diabetes. He was pronounced dead at 6:30 a.m. today, June 24.
“Mission accomplished ka, Noy. Be happy now with dad and mom,” the statement said.
The former president is the son of the late democracy icons Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. and President Corazon “Cory” Aquino.
Take a look at the reactions of local celebrities upon learning of Aquino's passing: