MEMBERS of the Senate, past and present, yesterday paid tribute to and bid goodbye to former senator Rodolfo “Pong” Biazon during a memorial service in the upper chamber yesterday morning.
Biazon served as a senator from 1992 to 1995 and from 1998 to 2010. He passed away at 88 on June 12, the Independence Day of the country.
The remains of the late veteran senator arrived at the Senate Monday morning for the traditional necrological services given to former members of the 24-man Senate. Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda presided over the ceremony as Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri is on official business in Washington, DC.
During the ceremony, Legarda and other Senate officials presented Senate Resolution No. 652 to the Biazon family led by Biazon’s widow, Monserrat “Monchie” Biazon, and son, Muntinlupa Mayor Rossano Rufino “Ruffy” B. Biazon.
Legarda expressed her gratitude to Biazon for supporting her advocacies in climate change, disaster risk reduction, and national security and defense.
“He will always be one of the pillars of Philippine defense and security who fought for peace and democracy. His selfless service and unwavering commitment to this cause make him stand out as an inspiration to many. He will always be revered and respected as a figure of courage, honor, and patriotism,” she said.
Senate majority leader Joel Villanueva described Biazon as a “courageous soldier, a family man, a mentor, and a statesman.
“Like a true mentor, he taught me the tricks of the trade, like how and when to invoke or not Section 20 of the Commission on Appointments Rules. The many landmark laws he authored made this country closer to the highest ideals of democracy. He modernized the AFP and raised the dignity of our soldiers,” Villanueva said.
“Ultimately, the true honor we can give this great man is to carry on his legacies, especially on issues that are truly close to his heart like national defense and security, good governance, and education, among others,” he said.
Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada said Biazon was a “true servant of the people” who was guided by a moral compass that demanded accountability, transparency, and fairness while serving in the upper chamber.
He said the former senator was a “remarkable” individual who believed in the power of unity and collaboration, alliances, and the need to cross party lines to achieve progress for the country.
“Beyond the titles and the accolades, he was a true servant of the people. Sen. Pong was guided by a moral compass that demanded accountability, transparency, and fairness,” Estrada said.
Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III cited the achievements of Biazon both as a lawmaker and a former AFP chief of staff.
“It has been said that the best speech delivered in services, such as what we have today, does not emanate from the speakers, but from the deed of the person being honored,” Sotto said.
“With all that Sen. Pong Biazon had accomplished in this earthly life, it is undeniable that he is an inspirational man, and his unwavering determination is unmatched. He had achieved greatness despite the obstacles that he faced throughout his life,” he added.
Sotto said Biazon is a “dynamic multifaceted individual, a family man, an excellent soldier, and defender of democracy” that served the country well.
Sotto and Biazon worked together during the 11th and 12th Congress.
Former Senate minority leader Franklin Drilon said Biazon can be best remembered as someone who “defied all odds and bravely faced all colossal challenges life has thrown at him.”
Drilon said the former AFP chief of staff’s patriotism, love for country, and dedication to public service will always be remembered by the people.
“We are forever grateful for your contributions to our nation. Your legacy will continue to live in our hearts not only of your loved ones and the people who have known you but also in the hearts of freedom loving Filipinos,” he said.
Former Sen. Jose Lina said their former colleague can be remembered for his “humility, simplicity, and decorum” and for his “eagerness to learn new things” even as he has already accomplished a lot in life.
Although Biazon was older than him, Lina said the former member of the House of Representatives found it necessary to seek counsel when he first entered the world of politics, and even considered him as a senior politician even if he was the youngest senator at the time.
“He quickly realized the wisdom of having shed off the strict demeanor he used to exhibit as a military man and give way to more expression of compassion, understanding, tenderness, and other pleasing traits of an exemplary public servant to be able to connect more effectively with the people,” Lina said.
“For being a paragon of humility, simplicity, decorum, and honor, there is no doubt that Senator Pong was truly an outstanding Filipino who will be sorely missed,” he added.
Zubiri sent his eulogy via video as he is out of the country.
Zubiri said Biazon was a “public servant par excellence” who “chose to build bridges instead of burning them.”
He said he considers the soldier-turned-lawmaker as his mentor who guided him when he was still a first-time majority leader.
“He dedicated himself so completely to his work, to our people and to our country not just because his job call for him to do so, but simply because he so fiercely loved our country and our people,” Zubiri said.
Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon, one of Biazon’s three children, thanked the Senate for the tribute.
“His bell has already been rung, the last TAPS has been sung, he is a faithful servant who has fought a good fight and has finished the race. He has been known as the ‘goat’ of his class, but actually he is number eight from the bottom. But now there is a new meaning of being the ‘goat’ of the class, he is the Greatest Of All Time,” the younger Biazon said.
“He is Rodolfo Gaspar Biazon thank you very much,” he added.
