MFA Press Statement: Passing Of Former Philippine President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino

The Singapore Government is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Philippine President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino.

President S R Nathan has written to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to convey Singapore's deepest condolences to the people of the Philippines on their great loss. Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, who knew her well, have also written to her son Senator Benigno Aquino III to express their deepest condolences.

The condolence letters are attached.

. . . . .

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
3 AUGUST 2009

____________________________________________________________________

1 August 2009

Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
President
Republic of the Philippines

Dear President Arroyo,

On behalf of the people of Singapore, I would like to convey our deepest condolences to the people of the Republic of the Philippines on the passing of former President Corazon Aquino.

President Aquino assumed the presidency of the Philippines at a difficult time, amidst much political instability and economic uncertainty. She was able to restore democracy to the country, driven by her own faith and determination, and strong support from the Philippine people. With her passing, the Philippines has lost an icon of democracy and righteousness. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Philippine people during this period of grief.

Yours Sincerely,

(signed)

S R NATHAN

____________________________________________________________________

3 August 2009

Honourable Benigno S Aquino III
Senator
Republic of the Philippines

Dear Senator,

My wife and I were saddened by the passing of your beloved mother and former President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Although President Aquino entered politics reluctantly in the aftermath of the tragic demise of your late father, she rose to the call of the people of the Philippines and the needs of the country. I was privileged to have met her several times when I was the Prime Minister of Singapore. I was impressed by her quiet determination to succeed in discharging the heavy responsibility entrusted to her.

President Aquino confronted her ill health with the same courage and strength that she showed in restoring democracy and stability to the country. Her passing is not just a personal loss to you and your family. It is also a great loss to the Philippines.

Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.

Yours sincerely,

(signed)

GOH CHOK TONG

____________________________________________________________________

1 August 2009

Dear Senator,

I was saddened to learn about the passing of your mother, Her Excellency Corazon Aquino, former President of the Republic of the Philippines.

After the fall of the Marcos Government, President Aquino restored democracy to the Philippines and became a beacon of hope for the people. She did her best for the Philippines to carry out what she believed your late father would have done had he been alive. With her passing, the Philippines has lost a beloved daughter.

In this time of sorrow, please accept my sincere condolences.

Yours sincerely,
(signed)

Lee Kuan Yew

Honorable Benigno S Aquino III
Senator
Republic of the Philippines