By Joann Santiago
MANILA, Aug 17 (PNA) — Malacanang expressed condolences to the family of former Senator Agapito “Butz” Aquino, 76, who died of natural causes Monday afternoon.
“We know that in this time of grief and loss for his family, the Filipino people will take his loved ones into their warm and grateful embrace,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement.
Aquino is an uncle of President Benigno Aquino III as he is the younger brother of the Chief Executive’s father, former Senator Benigno Aquino Jr.
He serve the Senate from June 30, 1987 to June 30, 1995 and was a member of the House of Representatives from June 30, 1998 to June 30, 2007 representing Makati City’s Second District.
He chose “a quite life as an entrepreneur”, being the president of ABBA Land Development Co. Inc. , but became one of the fighters against dictatorship, Lacierda said.
He is among the founders of the August 21 Movement (ATOM) and Bansang Nagkakaisa sa Diwa at Layunin (BANDILA), groups that fought the Marcos’ dictatorship.
“This road to reclaiming democracy by way of democracy, as his sister-in-law Cory Aquino put it, was crystalized in the decision Butz Aquino made to be the first public figure to ask Filipinos from all walks of life to gather at the Isetann department store and provide civilian protection to those elements of the Armed Forces and Constabulary that had decided to go against the dictatorship,” Lacierda said.
“He was known for his optimism, his wit, and his steadfast dedication to the ideals of his brother Ninoy and sister-in-law Cory,” he added.
He was married to Popsy Mendez-Aquino and has three children – Roxanne, Jackie and Bobby.
He is among the seven siblings, which includes former Senator Tessie Aquino-Oreta, in his father’s second family.
His father is Benigno Servillano Aquino Sr. while his mother is Aurora Aquino. (PNA)