Senator Bam Aquino remembers President Noynoy Aquino on his 5th death anniversary

The country commemorates the fifth anniversary of the passing of former President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III on Wednesday (June 24, 2026).

In honor of this occasion, Senator Bam Aquino shared a remembrance of the late President, his cousin, highlighting his dedication to honesty in government and public accountability.

These values remain deeply relevant as we continue to address ongoing concerns regarding corruption and the importance of integrity in public service.

The senator joined family members and supporters at a commemorative Mass held Wednesday at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City, where he reflected on the late president’s legacy and the principles that guided his administration.

“Ngayong nahaharap ang ating bansa sa napakaraming isyu ng katiwalian, lalo’t higit nating nami-miss ang isang lider gaya ni PNoy,” Aquino said.

He said Noynoy Aquino demonstrated that clean governance was achievable, pointing to the former president’s efforts to strengthen transparency and restore confidence in public institutions.

“Sa kanyang pamumuno, ipinakita niya na posible ang isang gobyernong malinis, tapat, at tanging kapakanan lang ng taumbayan ang mahalaga,” he added.

According to the senator, the late president's anti-corruption agenda helped rebuild trust in government, encouraged investment, and supported economic growth during his term.

In a separate Facebook post, Aquino said his cousin's approach to public service continues to offer lessons for Filipinos, particularly the idea that leadership should be measured by its impact on people's lives rather than by rhetoric or personal recognition.

“May mga lingkod bayan na naaalala dahil sa kanilang mga salita. Mayroon ding naaalala dahil sa epekto ng kanilang paglilingkod sa buhay ng iba," he said.

“Ang bawat isa sa atin ay may pagkakataong makagawa ng positibong pagbabago sa buhay ng ating kapwa. Ito ang paniniwala ni PNoy. Sa bawat araw ng kanyang panunungkulan bilang Pangulo, nagtrabaho siya nang buong tapat," he added.

Aquino said the former president consistently viewed public office as a responsibility entrusted by the people, not a platform for praise or personal acclaim.

"Hindi para sa papuri, hindi para sa palakpakan—kundi dahil naniniwala siya na may pananagutan ang bawat pinunong pinagkatiwalaan ng taumbayan," Aquino said.

He added that while political positions and public attention are temporary, the reforms and improvements left behind by leaders can endure for generations.

“Maraming taon na ang lumipas, pero nananatiling makabuluhan ang mensaheng ito ni PNoy. Dahil sa huli, lumilipas ang ingay, napapalitan ang mga posisyon, at kumukupas ang mga papuri. Ngunit ang mga pagbabagong naiiwan para sa mga susunod na henerasyon ay nananatili," he said.

Aquino also emphasized that one of the late president’s guiding goals was to leave the country in a better state than he found it, describing this as the most meaningful legacy any public servant can aspire to achieve.

“Ang pinakamagandang pamana ng isang lingkod bayan ay hindi ang mga salitang kanyang binitawan, kundi ang kanyang pagsisikap na iwan ang bansa sa mas mabuting kalagayan kaysa sa kanyang dinatnan," he said.

Beyond his anti-corruption initiatives, Aquino pointed to accomplishments achieved during his cousin’s administration, including the elimination of a 66,000-classroom shortage inherited from the previous government. During his six-year term, some 118,000 classrooms were constructed nationwide.

-Paraluman News