Kris Aquino-Yap, the controversial sister of President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” C. Aquino III, quietly left the country with her sons Joshua and Baby James Thursday evening.

This was confirmed by the airport's Media Affairs Office (MAO) who said that the presidential sister left for Los Angeles, California aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR102.

It was learned that Aquino was whisked off to the Presidential Lounge of the NAIA Terminal 2 using the airport ramp to avoid the media who were camped outside the terminal to wait for her departure.

Aquino, with her two sons and three household helpers, waited at the lounge while two members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) and staff from the airport's Public Affairs Office checked them in.

Newly appointed airport chief retired General Jose Angel Honrado and airport MAO head Consuelo Bungag were on hand to assist Kris and her family.

From the Presidential Lounge, Kris and her family boarded the Boeing 747-400 jumbo jet that took-off at exactly 10 p.m.

Meanwhile, the two other presidential sisters, Ballsy A. Cruz and Pinky A. Abellada, also left the country last Thursday to spend a vacation in Hong Kong.

Both Cruz and Abellada boarded a Cebu Pacific flight for the former Crown Colony together with their relatives.

Unlike Kris, the two sisters refused to be accorded VIP treatment at the airport. Just like any other passenger, Ballsy and Pinky had to queue at the check-in and immigration counters and went through security checks.

Immigration personnel and police officers who recognized the two sisters offered to facilitate their travel documents were politely turned down.

It was reported that the sisters also took off their shoes at the final security check despite the staff waving them through.

The humility displayed by the Aquino sisters earned the respect and admiration of the airport workers.

“Hanga ako sa magkapatid na iyan. Kahit na kapatid ng President, wala silang ka ere-ere.,” an airport employee was quoted as saying. (“We admire the two sisters. Although they are the President’s sisters, they showed humility.”)

“Sana ganito lahat ang mga opisyal sa gobyerno natin. Magandang ehemplo sila para sa ating lahat,” the airport staff added. (“I hope government officials are like them. They are good examples for everyone.”)