Malacañang declares 10-day national mourning on PNoy's death

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday declared a 10-day period of mourning for former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, who passed away on Thursday morning due to renal disease secondary to diabetes.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Duterte signed Proclamation No. 1169, which sets Period of National Mourning over the demise of Aquino from June 24, 2021 to July 3, 2021.

"In this regard, the national flag shall be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on all government buildings and installations throughout the Philippines and abroad for a period of ten (10) days," Roque said in a statement.

"Let us continue to pray and pay respects to the former President who gave his best to serve our nation and our people," he further said.

During a ceremonial signing of bills, Duterte joined the country in sending condolences to the family of Aquino, his predecessor.   

“May you take comfort in the knowledge that he is now in a better place with his Creator. His memory and family’s legacy of offering their lives for the cause of democracy will forever remain etched in our hearts,” Duterte said.

Prior to this, Roque also offered sympathy to the Aquino family over the death of the 61-year-old former Philippine leader.

Aquino is the middle child and only son of former President Corazon Aquino and slain opposition Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr., the icons of democracy. —NB, GMA News