Filipinos were shocked as news came out earlier today that former Philippine President Benigno “PNoy” Aquino III passed away. There is no official announcement yet as to the cause of death for the 61-year-old leader, whose presidency ended just five years ago.
As “RIP PNoy” trends, the outpouring on social media is—as expected in the current political climate—a mixed bag. Even as politicians from all parts of the political spectrum announced their sympathies, many other people took care to note Aquino’s flaws. Still others complained about how this might influence the coming elections.
A sampler of sentiments on Facebook and Twitter today:
I’m out of Twitter from grief over the death of a sea-green incorruptible, brave under armed attack, wounded in crossfire, indifferent to power and its trappings, and ruled our country with a puzzling coldness but only because he hid his feelings so well it was thought he had
— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) June 24, 2021
It was 2016, few days before the presidential polls. I was @piahontiveros’ producer then. President Aquino sat down exclusive w/ @cnnphilippines. He called for a united front vs. then-frontrunner Duterte. His words “Tuwid na Daan” and “Walang Wang-Wang” still resonate. RIP #PNoy. pic.twitter.com/7qxxEz0QH8
— Joseph Cataan (@JosephCataan) June 24, 2021
I was the reporter assigned to cover PNoy’s campaign in 2010. I had a front row seat to how crowds met him as they barnstormed around the country. Oftentimes I had to find means to catch up with his campaign team. RIP PNoy. pic.twitter.com/WKVas05hXe
— Ces Oreña-Drilon (@cesdrilon) June 24, 2021
Sorry, Philippines. I took the wrong President.
— God (@TheTweetOfGod) June 24, 2021
He once pointed out to us that the units in our presentation was wrong. Instead of meters I put centimeters. He always asked sharp questions during meetings. It was like defending a Ph.D. dissertation every time we faced him.
Rest in Peace Mr. President pic.twitter.com/UjIWVBakh6
— Mahar Lagmay (@nababaha) June 24, 2021
SO NAMATAY SI NINOY TUMAKBO SI CORY….. NAMATAY SI CORY TUMAKBO SI NOYNOY…. SO NGAYONG PATAY NA SI NOYNOY…. IS IT ANOTHER SIGN FOR AN AQUINO TO RUN PRESIDENCY AGAIN??? YES IM LOOKING AT YOU KRIS… BUT QUE HORROR…. TAMA NANG SI NOYNOY ANG HULING AQUINONG PRESIDENTE🙄🙄🙄 pic.twitter.com/1bMWuk0OxH
— TheWalkingCharing😘 (@CharingThe) June 24, 2021
PNoy admin is far from perfect, but admit it, his regime is far way better than what we have right now. Period. No delete.
Rest in power, President Noynoy Aquino.
— Jeff Arapoc (@jaarapoc) June 24, 2021
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