Robredo expresses condolences to kin of former Senate President Nene Pimentel

Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday lamented the death of former Senate President Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel Jr.,  calling him a kind, true gentleman, and principled man.

In a statement, Robredo also sent her condolences to the family of the former senator.

“Our country lost one of its last statesmen today with the passing of former Senate President Nene Pimentel. He was kind, a true gentleman, and principled amid many challenges we faced as a nation,” she said.

“Our deepest condolences to his wife, Bing, his children, and all his loved ones,” she added.

In another statement, Robredo said: "The Filipino nation is diminished today with the passing of Senator Nene Pimentel, our leading advocate for local governance, a tireless champion of human rights, and a true patriot."

"His long and storied career as a statesman is replete with moments of moral courage as he stood firm against the oftentimes cruel realities of politics and history," she said.

"Standing up to the dictator Marcos during Martial Law, asserting Philippine sovereignty during the debates for the renewal of the US bases treaty, running as VP to an eminently qualified but underfunded Jovito Salonga in 1992, taking the principled position as Senate President during the Estrada impeachment trial — these are the moments that will forever define his place in our people’s history. May we all draw inspiration from his example to show the same courage and principle during these challenging times," Robredo said.

"With the rest of a grateful Filipino nation, I offer my sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones," she added.

Pimentel passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 85 after battling lymphoma and pneumonia. 

He took on every battle in his almost five decades in public service, from changing the Constitution to opposing a dictatorial regime and poll fraud.

In 1991, he authored the landmark legislation, the Local Government Code. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News