MANILA, Philippines – Barely an hour before he steps down from office on Thursday, June 30, former president Benigno Aquino III went straight to his home in Times Street in Quezon City.

On the way home, Aquino was seen shaking hands with people waiting for his convoy.

Now that he has vacated the most powerful seat in the land, Aquino has nothing but relief. (READ: A week before stepping down, Aquino says he’s all ‘smiles’)

“Malaking bigat ang nawala sa ating balikat (Huge burden now off our shoulders),”  Aquino told reporters in a chance interview on Thursday, June 30.

Aquino, an audiophile, earlier said he looked forward to fixing his music collection, which would have a special room in his renovated family home. (READ: Life at the top for bachelor president)

His priorities for his first few days, he said, are to fix his house and make sure that it is “livable.”

“Sasagarin lahat ng mga nasa kahon at ilalagay sa tamang lugar at ng maging livable yung ating bahay (Fix everything in the boxes and put them in their proper places to make our house livable),” Aquino said.

Asked about his plans on Friday, July 1, his first full day as a private citizen, Aquino said he might go to a birthday party of a close cousin.

Sisters

Aquino’s sisters – Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, Pinky Aquino-Abellada, Viel Aquino-Dee, and Kris Aquino – were there to welcome back their only brother. They were also there to help him unpack boxes and fix the house.

Asked about his plans are for the day, the former president said in jest, “I have to feed my sisters who are probably here and helping me unpack so they are energized when we unpack this afternoon.”

Kris, who arrived with sons Joshua and Bimby, said she is fully behind her brother. She earlier posted on Instagram to express her gratitude and support for him.

“We are just here….and to love him of course,” she said in a chance interview.

Asked if they have any plans with the former president, the actress and talk show host said they’re giving Aquino the freedom to choose what he wants to do. – Rappler.com