SC Justice Bernabe, lawyers’ group pay tribute to Noynoy Aquino

Supreme Court (SC) Senior Associate Justice Estela Perlas Bernabe on Friday honored the late former President Benigno Aquino III, saying his life should serve as an inspiration to other public servants.

It was Aquino who promoted Bernabe, then a Court of Appeals magistrate, to the high tribunal in September 2011.

“While my only personal interaction with him was during an invitation to the Palace for an interview prior to my appointment as Supreme Court Justice, that singular encounter speaks volumes of his character as a man of dignified humility, intellectual competence, patriotic zeal, and most of all, unyielding integrity,” she said.

“True enough, these traits were not impressions but actual qualities epitomized by PNoy as he led this country during his term as president. It is my fervent hope that his life serves as a meaningful inspiration to the leaders — present and future — of this country.”

Bernabe also extended her condolences to the Aquino family.

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, meanwhile, said the entire judiciary joined the nation in mourning the passing of Aquino.

“We will remember him as the President who did his best to serve the Filipinos tirelessly with dedication,” he said.

The Philippine Bar Association (PBA) meanwhile lauded Aquino’s leadership amid challenges such as the maritime dispute with China and terrorism.

“His no-frills and stick-to-the-goal manner of leadership ushered for the nation a new decade bright with the promise of prosperity and development,” it said in a statement.

The organization also said it shared the former president’s advocacy for the rule of law.

Aquino, who served as president from 2010 to 2016, passed away at the age of 61 on Thursday due to renal disease secondary to diabetes.

His remains were cremated on the same day and would be laid to rest at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City on Saturday. — DVM/RSJ, GMA News