MORE than a month since he passed on, the Senate yesterday adopted a resolution expressing its profound sympathies and sincere condolences to the family of former senator and military general Rodolfo “Pong” Biazon.
All senators were made co-authors of Senate Resolution No. 78, a merger of SRNs 652, 653, 654, 655 and 660, which was extensively discussed on Monday and approved during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Biazon passed away on Independence Day, June 12, 2023 at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife Monserrat Narag Bunoan and children Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy, Richie and Rino.
“True to the saying that ‘old soldiers never die, they just fade away,’ the legendary military general and legislator, whose bravery and patriotism in protecting and defending Philippine freedom and democracy is beyond compare, and whose sincerity and dedication in serving the country inspired and touched the hearts of Filipinos, Biazon will be mourned and remembered by the Filipino people and the nation,” SRN 78 stated.
Biazon was born from humble beginnings on April 14, 1935 in Batac, Ilocos Norte, to spouses Rufino Biazon and Juliana Gaspar. He lost his father at an early age and endured great hardships, especially during the Japanese regime. To help his family earn a living, he sold food on the streets and collected and sold used bottles and newspapers.
Undeterred by poverty, Biazon completed his education as a self-supporting student and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the FEATI University.
In 1957, despite passing the examinations for the US Military Academy in West Point and the US Naval Academy in Maryland, he chose to enter the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), where he graduated as part of Class 1961.
As a military man, Biazon proved himself to be an able and effective leader, serving as superintendent of the PMA from 1986 to 1987, commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) from 1987 to 1989, commanding general of the AFP National Capital Region Defense Command from 1988 to 1990, AFP vice chief of staff from 1990 to 1991, and ultimately as AFP chief of staff in 1991.
As commanding general of the AFP NCR Defense Command and commandant of the PMC, he rose to prominence when he successfully led the Marines and other civilian officers in thwarting the coup attempt staged by the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM) against the administration of the late president Corazon Aquino.
After retiring from military service, Biazon continued to devote himself to public service and served as senator for three terms (1992-1995, 1998-2004, and 2004-2010), during which time he served as chairperson of the Senate Committees on National Defense and Security; Urban Planning, Housing, and Resettlement; vice chairperson of the Committees on Agriculture and Food, and Foreign Relations. He was also a member of 15 other Senate committees, as well as the Commission on Appointments.
After his stint in the Senate, he served as a member of the House of Representatives for the lone district of Muntinlupa City for two terms – 2010-2013, and 2013- 2016.
Biazon was laid to rest with full military honors at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on June 20.
