By Jelly F. Musico
MANILA, Aug. 17 (PNA) – Former Senator Agapito ‘Butz’ Aquino passed away on Monday afternoon. He was 76.
According to Senator Paolo Benigno ‘Bam’ Aquino IV, the former senator died of ‘natural causes’ at 4:22 p.m.
”Yes, unfortunately it’s true,” Senator Bam said in a text message to the reporters.
Senate President Franklin Drilon mourned the passing of the former lawmaker.
”I join the nation in mourning the demise of a good friend, former Senator Butz Aquino,” Drilon said in a press statement.
Drilon said Aquino had played a very important role in the 1986 EDSA revolution.
”He was a civic organizer. He helped formed various organizations including the August Twenty One Movement, whose members bravely fought for the restoration of our freedom,” Drilon said.
As a legislator, Drilon said Aquino’s “legacy laws have been benefiting our countrymen, such as the Magna Carta for Small Farmers and the Cooperative Code of the Philippines. On behalf of the Senate, I extend our condolences to the family of Butz.”
Aquino is the younger brother of the late former Senator Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino Jr., father of the incumbent President Benigno ‘Noy’ Aquino III.
Senator Butz also served as member of the House of Representatives. (PNA)