Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas is “deeply saddened” by the death of former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, whom he described as “one of the most respected and very trust worthy” public servants.
“We’ve known each other since our Ateneo days. I was two years older than him, and he would call me ‘manong.’” Treñas said in a statement.
With Aquino’s passing, the county, according to the mayor, “lost a leader that brought us a robust economy during his term.”
Aquino, the only son of democracy icons former president Cory Aquino and assassinated senator Ninoy Aquino, served as the Philippines’ 15th president from 2010 to 2016.
In an interview over radio station RMN-Iloilo, Treñas cited the contributions of the Aquino administration to the development of the province and city of Iloilo.
“Ginpakita ya nga kaya man gali sang Pilipinas nga mag-develop. And if we can remember, ang average [economic] growth rate ta sang iya tiempo was over 6 percent. Madamo nahatagan trabaho, nag-improve ang mga probinsya like our province and our city,” he said.
“Ang development wala nasentro lang sa NCR (National Capital Region). We are very grateful for his presidency because he once again showed ang kaayo sang Pilipino kag abilidad man sang mga Pilipino,” the mayor added.
Aquino died at 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 24, at the Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City due to due to “to renal disease secondary to diabetes.” He was 61.
“Thank you for your service to the Filipino people. Please pray for our country and our people,” said Treñas.IMT
Photo of Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue or Diversion Road in Mandurriao district, Iloilo City by Ian Paul Cordero
