Senate resolutions express sympathy for death of ex-President Noynoy Aquino

The Senate on Tuesday adopted five resolutions expressing sympathy and condolences on the death of former President Benigno Aquino III.

The measure was sponsored by Senator Joel Villanueva with Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Francis Pangilinan, Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Leila de Lima, Risa Hontiveros, and Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon as co-sponsors.

In his sponsorship speech, Sotto narrated how Aquino’s political career was destined.

“He tried to evade the call of politics, but his destiny had its way to bring him to the highest post of the land,” Sotto said.

The Senate President acknowledged Aquino’s no “wang-wang” policy reminded the Filipino people that no one was above the law and this policy highlighted equality, fairness, and respect for the law.

Aquino was honored for his contribution to the Philippine economy, including how his policies stabilized the economic condition of the Philippines allowing it to shed the “Sick Man of Asia” label.

Sotto also hailed him for bringing down the unemployment rate during his term and how he “stood against” China to protect the country’s territorial claim.

“Going over all these legacies he left, all I can say is indeed, he had fought a good fight – all of these, for his beloved country and the Filipino people,” Sotto said.

Senator Joel Villanueva reminisced how Aquino became his fellow public servant at the same time his brother.

“The misinformation cannot cast doubt on the truth about PNoy. Time will come, a fair assessment of his administration will bear the truth of his great achievements, brave decisions, and moral leadership,” Villanueva, who was the TESDA director during Aquino’s time, said.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon also honored his late Liberal Party-mate for serving the country with all honesty, sincerity, and the purest intentions.

Drilon, who worked as Senate president during Aquino’s term, mentioned some landmark legislation which he attributed to the late President’s “strong political will and harmonious relations between Congress and the Executive.”

These measures included the GOCC Governance Act, the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act, the Sin Tax Reform Law, the Philippine Competition Act, the amendments to the Cabotage Law, the law allowing entry of foreign banks in the country, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, the K to 12 Act, the Unified Student Financial Assistance System Law, the Iskolar ng Bayan Act, the Laderized Education Act, among others.

Drilon also acknowledged Aquino’s role in expanding the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps, expanding the PhilHealth coverage, and laying down the foundation in the Philippine big infrastructure projects.

These projects included the Skyway Stage 3, the NLEX-SLEX connector, the LRT East Extension Project, and the Mactan-Cebu New International Passenger Terminal.

“I am certain that history will recognize the legacy of President Noynoy Aquino in the same manner that the nation and the Filipino people have valued the legacy of his parents— former President Corazon Aquino and former Senator Ninoy Aquino,” Drilon said.

Apart from the three senators, Senators Grace Poe, Risa Hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan, Sonny Angara, Pia Cayetano, and Francis Tolentino also delivered their speeches honoring the late president.

On June 27, Aquino was laid to rest next to the tomb of his parents at the Manila Memorial Park. His inurnment came two days after he died of renal disease secondary to diabetes. He was 61. — DVM, GMA News