FORMER senator Rene V. Saguisag has died, his son, Rebo Saguisag, announced in a Facebook post yesterday.
No details were made available as to the cause of death of the 84-year-old public servant and human rights lawyer.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Papa and Lolo (grandfather). As we mourn, we take solace in the enduring impact of his legacy. Rene Saguisag was a dedicated public servant, and his tireless endeavors as a human rights advocate, senator, writer stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice, truth, and democracy.”
The Saguisag family said that the former senator’s expertise in law was a means to serve the poor and disenfranchised as he provided free legal services to those in need.
“We are grateful that, in his final months, he was able to spend time with relatives, friends, and countless supporters. He passed away knowing that he was much loved,” the family said.
The family said it will announce details of the service honoring Saguisag’s life.
“Papa/Lolo has passed on, but his spirit will continue to inspire us to strive for a more just world,” it added.
Saguisag served as senator from 1987 to 1992, during which he became chairman of the Committee on Ethics and Privilege, and the ad hoc committee on Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.
Before becoming a senator, Saguisag served as spokesman of then presidential candidate Corazon Aquino, a task he continued when the latter was elected president.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said he joins the country in mourning the passing of Saguisag who he described as “a man of true honor, dignity, and integrity.”
“He may have just served one term in the Senate, but his entire life was devoted to pursuing justice and fairness for every Filipino, particularly through such initiatives as the Free Legal Assistance Group,” Zubiri said.
Zubiri said Saguisag, during his short stint as senator, co-authored laws that up to now uphold the highest standards in public service, such as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713), and the Ombudsman Act of 1989 (RA 6770).
“Sen. Saguisag leaves behind a legacy of service and excellence that continues to be a benchmark for many young lawyers and public servants. We express our deepest and sincerest condolences to the loved ones of Sen. Saguisag, and may the Lord grant them peace and comfort during this great time of loss,” Zubiri added.
He said they are awaiting for the Saguisag family to give the Senate of their schedule so they can conduct necrological services.
Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Saguisag’s death is a “big loss to the country.”
“A humble public servant and a true advocate of justice. He used his legal background to provide free legal services to the masses (and that included myself then) and also authored legislation that helped shape our nation,” Sotto said in a Viber message to the media.
Sotto said Saguisag never left his table even during breaks in sessions as “he wanted to keep his seatmate, [Sen. Ernesto] ‘Boy’ Herrera company,” and did not want to use people’s money for his snack.
He said Saguisag was also known to be a good ballroom dancer.
“Rene, Dulce is now waiting for your first dance in heaven,” he added, referring to Saguisag’s wife.
Senate minority leader Aquilino Pimentel III said he and his wife Kat “join our nation in mourning the passing of a remarkable leader, human rights lawyer.”
Pimentel recalled that during the wake of his father, former Sen. Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr., Saguisag sang “You Are My Sunshine” with “such sincerity” that “touched us.”
“I remember Senator Saguisag asked Tatay Nene to deliver a message in heaven for his beloved wife, Tita Dulce. Tito Rene, I am certain that Tita Dulce and Tatay Nene await your arrival in heaven knowing that you kept your promise and fulfilled your duties with integrity,” Pimentel said in a message to the media.
Dulce Saguisag, a former Department of Social Welfare and Development secretary, withdrew her support to President Estrada’s administration following accusations of massive corruption by the chief executive.
Dulce and Rene figured in a vehicular accident in Makati City in November 2007. Dulce died in that incident.
Senate deputy minority leader Risa Hontiveros said Saguisag was an opposition leader during the anti-dictatorship struggle, and a staunch defender of democracy and human rights. She recalled that the senator joined the minority bloc in opposing the extension of martial law in Mindanao in 2017.
“I also had the distinct honor of having him as my legal counsel, and his dedication to his profession and advocacy inspired me deeply. He was steadfast in defending our democratic values and protecting the rights of all citizens. His passing represents a very sad loos to our country as we bid farewell to a true champion of human rights,” she said.
She added that Saguisag will also be remembered as one of the “Magnificent 12,” the senators who rejected the prolonged stay of the US bases in the country in 1991.
Sen. Francis Escudero said Saguisag was a “patriot, a nationalist, and an honest public servant who became a prominent opposition figure during the martial law years.
“Saguisag is best remembered as a dedicated public servant and his advocacy for justice remains significant to this day,” Escudero said.
Sen. Grace Poe said Saguisag was a “legal luminary” who devoted his time and brilliance to many, especially the disadvantaged in society.
“In our citizenship battle with the courts, Sen. Rene had stood with us, unconditionally lending his wit and wisdom, and for this, we will forever hold him dear,” she said.
