The Senate approved Monday Resolution of Both Houses No. 1 ‘’bestowing the highest congressional honor to former President Corazon ‘’Cory’’ Cojuangco Aquino for her democratic legacy, sterling public service and unparalleled contribution to Philippine history.’’

The resolution was filed by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri who said that the Senate also approved a resolution introduced by Sen. Loren Legarda expressing ‘’sincerest gratitude’’ to the late President Aquino and ‘’deepest condolences’’ to her family.

Last Monday, Sen. Manuel ‘’Mar’’ A. Roxas II, president of the Liberal Party (LP), filed a resolution declaring Jan. 25, the date of birth of former President Aquino as ‘’Cory Aquino Day.’’

In Joint Resolution No. 28, Roxas said the former President, who passed away on Aug. 1, deserves to be honored yearly for her critical role in the revival of democracy in our country.

The Roxas resolution would still go through a public hearing by a committee, Zubiri said.

The Senate leadership decided last Monday to suspend all legislative activities in deference to the death of the former President, the 11th Philippine president.

‘’When the sound of the last gunshot from the 21-gun salute fades in the air, its deafening silence will be a constant reminder to all of us that, indeed, our covenant wth our people is to nurture, protect and defend our democracy at all costs, as exemplified by Cory and her husband Ninoy (the late Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr.) and many others who came before them,’’ Zubiri said in a privilege speech delivered at the Senate session hall last Monday.

The former President is scheduled to be buried Wednesday at the Manila Memorial Park in Paranaque city, beside the grave of Ninoy.

As this developed, officials of the Bureau of Immigration extended Tuesday their condolences to the family of the late President Corazon Aquino.

Led by BI Commissioner Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan, a team of BI officials and employees walked to the nearby Manila Cathedral to pay their last respects to late president.

Libanan, in a letter of symphaty to the Aquino family, cited the contributions and legacy that Ms. Aquino bequeathed to the nation with her passing.

“Siya po ay patuloy na magiging inspirasyon sa ating lahat sa pagtataguyod at paninindigan para sa katotohanan, sa pagiging mahusay at tapat na pinuno at maninilbihan sa pamahalaan, sa matatag na pananampalataya sa Diyos sa lahat ng pagkakataon at ang pagmamalasakit para sa kabutihan at kapakanan ng nakararami,” the BI chief said.

Libanan recalled his days as youth secretary general of the Lakas in 1987 and as the youngest senior board member of Easter Samar at the age of 24 in 1988 during the term of Ms. Aquino.

He was also an active participant in the anti-Marcos movement during his days as a student leader, being the president of the Supreme Student Council of Divine World University in Tacloban City.

In a television interview, Libanan said the BI will honor Ms. Aquino’s memory by continuing its thrust to improve the quality of its services to the public.

He said Ms. Aquino was a great symbol of good government and genuine public service which all members of the government bureaucracy must emulate.