THE Senate leadership yesterday filed a resolution expressing its deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of former Sen. Rene V. Saguisag, who died last week.
Senate Resolution No. 1009, filed Thursday last week by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate president pro tempore Loren Legarda, majority leader Josel Villanueva, and minority leader Aquilino Pimentel III, honors the life of Saguisag whom they described as “a dedicated public servant, a staunch defender of human rights, and a true patriot.”
Saguisag, 84, passed away last April 24.
“Senator Saguisag was unwavering in his fight for justice and human rights throughout his life. He was humble, competent, and had an unimpeachable dedication to serve the Filipino people, especially the poor and disenfranchised,” the resolution said.
“Senator Saguisag’s enduring legacy rightfully earns him a place in the annals of our nation’s history and serves as a beacon to current and future public servants and legal practitioners. His passing is a great loss not only to his bereaved family but to the entire nation,” it added.
Saguisag served as then-presidential candidate Corazon Aquino’s campaign spokesperson, which he continued when she was elected president in 1986.
He ran and earned a Senate seat from 1987 to 1992.
“During his single term as senator, he attended all 415 days of session. He was also one of the ‘Magnificent 12’ who voted to remove American military bases from the Philippine soil in 1991,” the resolution said.
After his career as a lawmaker, Saguisag devoted his time and talents as an “ardent advocate for human rights, the rule of law, democracy, and good governance.”
He was later appointed by former President Estrada to head the Ad Hoc and Independent Citizen’s Committee (AHICC) to investigate irregularities in the preparations for the celebration of the Philippine Centennial Anniversary.
“Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate, as it is hereby resolved, to express the profound sympathy and sincere condolences of the Senate on the death of former Senator Rene Saguisag,” the Senate resolution added.
