U.S. President Joe Biden mourns the passing of former President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, who died on Thursday, June 24, his office said.
Biden said his "valued friend" Aquino will be remembered for serving his country with integrity and selfless dedication.
"President Aquino’s steadfast commitment to advancing peace, upholding the rule of law, and driving economic growth for all Filipinos, while taking bold steps to promote the rules-based international order, leaves a remarkable legacy at home and abroad that will endure for years to come," the U.S. leader said in a statement released by the White House.
"I greatly valued our time working together, and I extend my heartfelt sympathies to his family and to all who will mourn his absence."
Biden was vice president to Barack Obama when Aquino was President of the Philippines.