Condolences continue to pour in for the loss of the 15th president of the Philippines, including United States President Joe Biden.
Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III died Thursday at the Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City due to renal disease secondary to diabetes. He is 61-years-old.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the people of the Philippines on the death of former President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III. He was a valued friend and partner to the United States, and he will long be remembered for serving his country with integrity and selfless dedication,” said US President Joe Biden.
“President Aquino’s steadfast commitment to advancing peace, upholding the rule of law, and driving economic growth for all Filipinos, while taking bold steps to promote the rules-based international order, leaves a remarkable legacy at home and abroad that will endure for years to come,” Biden added.
He said he appreciated the period of cooperation between the United States and the Aquino administration. He also extended his sincere sympathy to his family and other mourners.
The relationship between the United States and the Philippines has a long history that continues to this day.
US President Biden sympathizes with passing of Noynoy Aquino
Although current President Rodrigo Duterte has occasionally teased the United States while sticking to China, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), and other agreements still exist.
In April 2021, the last Balikatan exercises between the United States and the Philippines ended, something that has been rolling for 36 years.
The 11-day Balikatan was first canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed on April 12th. There would have been more participants, but it was reduced to 225 military personnel from the United States and 415 from the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The European Union delegation to the Philippines conveyed their condolences in connection with his passing.
Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte has already signed the “10 days of mourning” for the passing of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.