Senator Bam Aquino paid tribute to his cousin, former President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III, on the fifth anniversary of his death, reflecting on his commitment to good governance, the fight against corruption, and public service.
Aquino attended a Holy Mass on Wednesday at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City to mark the late President’s death anniversary.
“Ngayong nahaharap ang ating bansa sa napakaraming isyu ng katiwalian, lalo’t higit nating nami-miss ang isang lider gaya ni PNoy,” Aquino said, referring to the former President’s strong anti-corruption stance and efforts to promote transparency and accountability in government.
“Sa kanyang pamumuno, ipinakita niya na posible ang isang gobyernong malinis, tapat, at tanging kapakanan lang ng taumbayan ang mahalaga,” he added, noting that the late President’s anti-corruption campaign helped restore public trust in government, strengthen investor confidence, and support sustained economic growth.
In a Facebook post, the senator said the former President’s example continues to inspire Filipinos to pursue public service rooted in integrity, responsibility, and a commitment to improving lives.
“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.
The senator said his cousin’s legacy serves as a reminder that the true measure of public service lies not in recognition or accolades but in the lasting change one leaves behind.
“Hindi para sa papuri, hindi para sa palakpakan—kundi dahil naniniwala siya na may pananagutan ang bawat pinunong pinagkatiwalaan ng taumbayan,” Aquino said.
“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 added.
Aquino emphasized that the former President dedicated himself to creating lasting reforms and positive change for future generations, ensuring that the country would be in a better condition than when he first assumed office.
“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.
Among the key achievements of the late President’s administration was the elimination of the 66,000-classroom backlog inherited from the previous government. In total, 118,000 new classrooms were built during his presidency.