PNoy Cabinet members remember his leadership, advice

Several members of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III's Cabinet members recalled examples of his leadership and advice as they attended his inurnment in Paranaque City on Saturday.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, former Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas said Aquino gave his all in his service as Philippine president.

“Medyo emotional tayo. Alam ko lang na wala siyang itinira. Ibinigay niya lahat,” Roxas said when asked about his memories of the late President.

(I am just emotional. What I know is he left nothing and gave everything.)

Former Health Secretary Janette Garin acknowledged Aquino's mentorship and his contribution to health-related advocacies such as the Sin Tax.

“Palaging sinasabi niya kailangan nararamdaman tayo ng tao... It is important that you deliver because that's why you are given the power. Yan ang hindi ko makakalimutan,” she said.

(He was always saying that the people should feel we are making a difference in their lives… It is important that you deliver because that's why you are given the power. That’s what I will never forget.)

For former Education Secretary Armin Luistro, he remembered PNoy not taking credit for the projects that they accomplished during his term such as the construction of thousands of schools.

“Hindi ko makakalimutan ‘yun. ‘Itong perang ito, hindi ito para sa atin.’ And that is his version of walang korapsyon,” he said.

(I will never forget that. ‘This money, this is not for us.’ And that is his version of no corruption.)

The inurnment of Noynoy’s ashes was held at Manila Memorial Park, where his parents, former senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. and former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino, were laid to rest.

PNoy was the 15th president of the Philippines and served from 2010 to 2016. — DVM, GMA News