The former president of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino III, the son of pro-democracy stalwarts passed away on Thursday in Manila. He was 61.

Aquino was the president of the Philippines from 2010 to 2016.

Though the cause of his death was not made public, he had been hospitalised in Manila. According to sources, he was preparing for a kidney transplant. The Aquino family will issue a statement later in the day.

Condolences poured in for the leader from politicians, the Catholic church and other prominent people. The presidential palace also asked Filipinos to pray.

Vice President Leni Robredo, said it was "heart-breaking" to hear of his death. "He tried to do what was right, even when it was not popular," Robredo said, adding "he worked quietly and tirelessly for the good of everyone. He will be missed."

Even though he came from a wealthy political family, his heart was for the common Filipino. He banned the use of sirens for politicians and VIPs. He was known to take a stand against corruption. Popularly known as Noynoy, he enjoyed massive support from his countrymen after the 2009 death of his mother–Corazon Aquino, and became the president.

His family stood for democracy and his father staunchly opposed the rule of dictator Ferdinand Marcos. His family went into exile in the US during Marcos' reign. His father, Benigno Aquino Jr., was assassinated in 1983 while in military custody at the Manila international airport. The event eventually lead to a popular revolt in 1986 leading to the dictator's downfall. Called the 1986 People Power revolution, it ushered in his mother's presidency.

Aquino had a bullet wound from an attempted military coup against his mother’s administration in 1987. Three of his bodyguards lost their lives while he was seriously injured.

He is also remembered for taking on China over disputes in the South China Sea (SCS). Aquino did not back off from moving the UN over China's claims in the SCS–a case that the Philippines won.

Seen as a people's man, Aquino worked for the upliftment of the poor and took action against rampant corruption. After his presidency was over, he stayed away from politics.

(With agency inputs)