Solons look back at the life and works of Nene Pimentel

House of Representatives lawmakers on Sunday looked back at the life and works of former Senate President Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel Jr. as they mourn the legislator's passing away after battling lymphoma and pneumonia.

In a statement, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano remembers Pimentel as a "stalwart advocate for federalism" with a "long-standing service to the country guided by his steadfast integrity and nationalism."

"His contribution through empowering the local governments to initiate development and bring basic services to the people, is invaluable and will be forever remembered," he said.

"On a personal note, having personally worked with him in the Senate, I am witness to his professionalism and his commitment to duties. He is one of the inspiring examples to me and all our public servants. It was truly a pleasure and honor to work with you," he added.

House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez said Pimentel was a "powerful force" in reforming the local government as the "Father of the Local Government Code."

"Senate President Pimentel is a good man and a great leader. His dedicated public service and brilliant leadership are beyond question. He will be remembered for leading an honorable life," he said.

For his part, Deputy Speaker Michael Romero noted that Pimentel was a "perfectionist for freedom and democracy," which explains why he had always fought for civil liberties, equality, and justice.

"Senator Nene was among the Filipino leaders who inspired the youth in the late 60’s and down to these very days. I am among those who were awed in the way he interspersed nationalism with  outstanding intellect and high sense of fairness and justice in order to let us savor freedom and democracy," he said.

Bagong Henerasyon party-list Representative Bernadette Herrera-Dy, meanwhile, owed to Pimentel the existence of the party-list system.

She said that when Pimentel ran for Cagayan De Oro City mayor in 1980, he saw the need and the role of new breeds of political parties that rise from the grassroots and communities.

"In his vision for a federal Philippines, Pimentel saw the necessity of having party-lists and regional parties to represent more voices of Filipinos with shared values identifiable by generation, culture, region, and sector," Herrera-Dy said.

Iligan City Representative Frederick Siao, on the other hand, recalled how Pimentel forwarded the issues of Mindanao to national consciousness.

"He is loved and respected all over Mindanao as a man of principle and love for the poor and marginalized. Pimentel is for all intents and purposes, a Hero of Mindanao," he said.

PBA party-list Representative Jericho Nograles puts Pimentel as among the people he has always looked up to for being "consistent with his principles and fiercely fought the politics of convenience."

"He was a warrior for truth , justice and honest governance. For this, he earned the respect and admiration of all Filipinos including those who do not share his political beliefs. He was a statesman, but one who doesn't compromise the welfare of his nation," he said.

For his part, Bayan Muna party-list Representative Carlos Zarate said Pimentel's passing is a great loss for the country, especially because of his contribution in the fight against the Marcos dictatorship.

"Ipinagtanggol niya ang mga karapatang pantao hanggang sa mga huling araw ng kanyang buhay. Ang buhay niya ay dapat malaman at sundan ng lahat, lalo na ng mga nasa pamahalaan," he said.

Pimentel died at 5 a.m. on Sunday after battling lymphoma and pneumonia, according to his daughter Commission on Human Rights Commissioner Gwendolyn "Gwen" Pimentel-Gana.

His death came a week after his family asked for prayers for his complete recovery since he has fallen "very ill" and confined in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of an undisclosed hospital. —Erwin Colcol/LBG, GMA News