President Aquino ‘shocked’ by the passing of esteemed Inquirer editor-in-chief
President Benigno S. Aquino III counts himself among the many politicians “shocked” and saddened by the unexpected passing of veteran journalist and longtime Philippine Daily Inquirer editor-in-chief Letty Jimenez Magsanoc.
“My thoughts and prayers are with her family and all her colleagues in the Philippine Daily Inquirer at this time of profound sadness and loss,” President Aquino said in a statement released by the Palace at 12:42 a.m., Friday, December 25.
President Aquino acknowledged Magsanoc as “a source of strength,” a thought which he said is shared by “all Filipinos of goodwill who love freedom, democracy, and good governance.”
“One always knew that with her, the truth was the benchmark of a journalist’s efforts; and that in all that she did, there was no higher cause than the country’s welfare and that of our people,” President Aquino said.
“She always spoke to me frankly, and yet with deep understanding,” he added.
President Aquino commiserated with the family, friends, and colleagues of Magsanoc as they would be letting this year’s Christmas pass in deep sorrow.
“To her loved ones and colleagues, you are not alone: we are all called to living up to her courageous example, one that will continue to inspire all of us to fight for freedom by ensuring we have a discerning and informed public,” President Aquino said.
“May she rest in peace and her example lend us strength in continuing to ensure we have a nation that is always free to speak its mind,” he added.
Magsanoc reportedly died on Christmas Eve at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. No information has been released yet as regards to the cause of her death.
In breaking the news to the public through a statement posted on its website, Thursday evening, the Inquirer said: “The country has lost a bedrock of journalism. And we, the Inquirer family and her family in the profession, feel the incalculable loss of a well-loved leader, a mentor, a friend. We pray for strength in this hour of bereavement.” PND (hdc)