Former Philippine President Benigno “PNoy” Aquino III died yesterday at the age of 61, precipitating an outpouring of sentiment on social media.
The death of the former president appeared to have taken most Filipinos by surprise, as Aquino had not made his health problems public. The New York Times obituary summed it up: “During his presidency, from 2010 to 2016, Mr. Aquino stood up to China, oversaw economic growth and passed an important reproductive rights bill, but he later faced scandals that marred his legacy.”
And yet, mourners have lined up at the Church of the Gesu at the Ateneo de Manila University, where President Aquino’s remains have been transferred for a one-day public viewing.
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Also read: Former Malacañang staff recall what it was like to work under PNoy
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Yesterday, Abigail Valte, who had served as the Deputy Presidential Spokesperson for President Aquino, announced the details of the public viewing on social media. “In appreciation for the outpouring of prayers and sympathies for the late Former President Benigno S. Aquino III, there will be a one-day public viewing of President Aquino’s urn at the Church of the Gesu inside the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City. The public viewing will be from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM tomorrow, Friday, 25 June 2021.”
People lined up from early in the morning outside the Ateneo to pay their respects, and applause greeted the former president’s remains as the urn arrived at the Church of the Gesu.
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Also read: Former PH President PNoy Aquino died today, and social media has strong feelings
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Those who cannot attend the viewing may catch this livestream via Radyo Katipunan 87.9FM:
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