Nene Pimentel’s legacy celebrated in third night of wake

The legacy of former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. was celebrated by his family and colleagues on the third night of his wake, according to a Tuesday report on State of the Nation with Jessica Soho by Dano Tingcungco.

In his homily at the Heritage Park in Taguig, Father Francis Siguan said Pimentel’s legacy did not die with him.

“You cannot kill that advocacy, his love for democracy, his defense of the dignity of human rights, rights of the poor never died,” he said.

Among the politicians who attended the wake on Tuesday night were former Senator Bam Aquino, former Makati Mayor Junjun Binay, and San Mateo Mayor Cristina Diaz.

Diaz presented Pimentel’s daughter, Maria Petrina Pimentel-Brar, with a plaque honoring the late statesman as a “true kapitbahay” to the people of San Mateo for his “genuine love and care” for the people.

“Grabe ang pagmamahal na pinakita niyo kay tatay. It’s very difficult to accept; we are devastated for our loss but all these... We have to celebrate his life, his legacy. We have to focus on that kasi ‘yung mga nagwa niya, it’s gonna last forever,” Brar said.

The senior members of Pimentel’s political party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan, who worked with him in Mindanao paid tribute to his life and legacy as well.

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said his family will strengthen the Pimentel Institute for Leadership and Governance to honor their father’s memory.

The statesman passed away on Sunday morning after a bout with lymphoma and pneumonia. He was 85.

Pimentel is recognized as the “Father of the Local Government Code.”  He has also spearheaded the pushed for the country’s shift to federalism. —Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News