Former senator and Cebu governor Rene Espina dies; Palace expresses sympathy

Former senator and Cebu governor Rene Espina passed away on Friday, his son, former Cebu City councilor Erik Espina, said in a post on Facebook.

"Another light dimmed in the passing of a good man who loved his country. We will miss you dad," Erik wrote.

Malacañang expressed its deep sympathy to the former senator's kin, friends, colleagues and supporters on Sunday as it remembered the long track record of Espina's public service.

"Senator Espina was credited for having crafted the country's first anti-drug law, Republic Act No. 6425, otherwise known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972 — the precursor of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002," presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

The Palace said Espina also served as secretary of the Public Works, Transportation and Communication during the Marcos administration.

He also became administrator of the Social Security System during the Macapagal administration at the age of 33, the youngest to hold such a post.

"The Filipino people are indeed grateful for the long track record of public service Senator Espina gave to the nation. May eternal rest grant to this faithful servant of the Lord, may perpetual light shine upon him, and may his soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace," Panelo added.

According to Espina's daughter Mitch, the wake is being held at Our Lady of China and Matteo Ricci Chapels in Sacred Heart Church, D. Jakosalem Street, Cebu City.

"It is indeed the saddest time in our family. A great loss of our country. We may not be able to thank you one by one, but we will always be grateful for your thoughts and prayers," Mitch wrote in a Facebook post.

The Salvador H. Laurel Museum and Library said Espina was 89. He was also a stalwart of the United Nationalist Democratic Organization (UNIDO).

"Rest in peace, Senator Espina. You served your country well. The Former Senator (1970 - 1973), Governor of Cebu (1963 - 1969) and UNIDO stalwart passed away today, September 13, 2019. He was 89," the museum said in a Facebook post.

—KG, GMA News