MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Monday joined world leaders in mourning the death of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's former prime minister and founding father.
In a statement, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said Filipinos also join the people of Singapore in honoring the statesman Lee.
"The President, in joining the Filipino people in expressing the solidarity of the Philippines with Singapore at this time of mourning, extends his personal condolences to Prime Minister Lee Hsien-Loong," Valte said.
Valte said Lee has always extended every official and personal courtesy to Aquino in his visits to Singapore and their official interactions in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations community.
Malacañang said Lee "demonstrated an unswerving devotion to his country, turning it into a state that would be an exemplar of efficient, modern, and honest governance."
"The development of Singapore has earned it the respect of nations and peoples, including the tens of thousands of Filipinos who work there and visit the country," Valte said.
"An era has passed, one upon which Singaporeans can look back on with deep pride and a sense of accomplishment," she added.
Lee "passed away peacefully" at the Singapore General Hospital at 3:18 a.m. Monday, according to the Singapore Prime Minister's Office.
He was 91.
Lee was admitted to the hospital on February 5 for severe pneumonia and was later put on life support.
READ: Lee Kuan Yew, founder of modern Singapore, dies at 91