The Senate has unanimously adopted a resolution honoring former senator Rene Saguisag and expressing the upper chamber’s profound sympathy and condolences to his family.
Senate Resolution No. 1009, introduced by Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Majority Leader Joel Villanueva and Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, was adopted on Tuesday night, May 7, 2024.
“He was a man of the people and a man for the people. He dedicated his life to fighting for those who have less in life and those who could not fight for themselves,” Zubiri said in his sponsorship speech.
“Championing the cause of justice and speaking out for the abused and oppressed, even at the risk of his own life,” Legarda said on her part.
The Senate resolution cited that 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”, the resolution stated.
Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada also said that while Saguisag’s contributions and achievements for the country may have escaped the country’s younger generation, “his legacy—not just here in the Senate but also as a prolific writer, critic and lawyer—would always reverberate across generations.”
“History would always be fair to Senator Saguisag. We may not always agree with him at times but we always listen to him, as his masterpieces always piqued our minds,” Estrada said.
“His imprint here in the Senate would always prove that Sen. Saguisag has a brilliant, exceptional mind—worthy to be etched in the annals of history,” he stressed.
Sen. Grace Poe, on the other hand, said she will always be grateful for Saguisag as the person who stood for her and unconditionally gave his wit and wisdom when she was in court for battling her foundling and citizenship issue.
“He believed in me when I was doubted by some. To this, I will forever be grateful to him,” Poe said.
“We mourn the nation’s loss of a notable lawmaker, and a staunch advocate for human rights, good governance, and justice. As someone who came from humble beginnings, he understood the plight of many Filipinos and has devoted his time and brilliance to many, especially the disadvantaged and the oppressed,” she added.