Noy pays tribute to PDI’s Magsanoc

MANILA, Philippines – President Aquino paid tribute yesterday to Philippine Daily Inquirer editor-in-chief Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc who passed away on Christmas Eve, calling her a “source of strength.”

Aquino also cited Magsanoc’s contributions to uphold the truth and freedom of the press and expression.

In a statement, the President said he was shocked by the sudden passing of Magsanoc, whom he personally knew since the days his family was fighting the Marcos dictatorship.

“She was, to me, and all Filipinos of goodwill who love freedom, democracy and good governance, a source of strength. 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,” Aquino said.

“She always spoke to me frankly, and yet with deep understanding,” he added.

“To her loved ones and colleagues, you are not alone: we are all called to live 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,” 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,” the President said. 

The Inquirer announced in a statement the passing of its “esteemed editor-in-chief” on Christmas Eve.

“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,” the statement read.