Sister on PNoy's 9th day: We're basking in glow of remarkable legacy

Former President Benigno Aquino III's friends and loved ones again remembered him on Friday night, with one of his sisters thanking him for his selflessness and "a remarkable legacy."

Speaking towards the end of the 9th day novena mass for Aquino, his sister Viel Aquino Dee also thanked the former President "for being the best servant-leader many of our countrymen failed to recognize."

"Since June 24, so many messages have made us feel truly loved. The love that can no longer be given to Noy is given to us his sisters. Thanks to my Kuya's selflessness, we are basking in the glow of his remarkable legacy," Viel said.

"Thank you Kuya Noy for all your sacrifices, for your determination to forge a better life for every Filipino and for being the best servant-leader many of our countrymen failed to recognize," she added.

Viel said Aquino lived out the lines in St. Ignatius' prayer for generosity: "To give and not to count the cost. To labor and ask not for reward save that of knowing that I do Your most holy will."

"Well, you were not expecting any rewards I am so happy just imaging that you must have gotten a standing ovation as you entered heaven," Viel said.

"Have fun catching up with mom and dad. They will most likely thank you for protecting your sisters at all times. But most importantly they will surely congratulate and extol you for the life you lived," she added.

Aquino III died on June 24. He was 61 years old.

According to a statement read by his sister Pinky Aquino-Abellada, Aquino was pronounced dead at 6:30 a.m. due to renal disease secondary to diabetes.

"No words can express how broken our hearts are and how long it will take us to accept the reality that he is gone," Pinky said.

Pinky said her brother had been in and out of hospital even before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aquino, son of the late President Corazon Aquino and slain senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., was rushed to the Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City on Thursday morning. —NB, GMA News