House Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima on Sunday honored the late President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III, who would have celebrated his 66th birthday.
In a social media post, De Lima—who served as justice secretary during the second Aquino administration—greeted the 15th President of the Philippines “happy birthday in heaven.”
The word ‘PNoy’—the nickname Filipinos gave him when he was in office—also trended on the X (formerly Twitter) platform as netizens remembered the accomplishments of the late former president, including the 7.1 percent growth posted by the Philippines in 2012.
“With everything that is happening in our country today, we not only miss him, but are also reminded of the significance of the principles he fought for: integrity, moral courage, accountability, national dignity and justice,” De Lima’s statement read.
“He (Aquino) relentlessly stood up against corruption, implemented genuine good governance reforms, and defended our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the party-list lawmaker added.
Aquino was born on February 8, 1960 in Sampaloc, Manila. He died on June 24, 2021 at the age of 61 in Quezon City.
De Lima honored the positive impact PNoy had on her public life, especially during the toughest times.
“You made me feel like I wasn’t alone — from greetings in letters, public speaking and your visits, where there was never enough time for your seemingly endless jokes and stories,” she said.
De Lima also highlighted his style of leadership, which persevered despite undeserved slander, acknowledging how he “served faithfully, fought for what was right and proper, and displayed the bravery, honor and excellence of the Filipinos and the Philippines to the whole world.”
“Thank you very much, PNoy, for being a true inspiration, for showing us true leadership and pure service not only with all your heart and sincerity but also with honor and courage,” De Lima added.
