Senate adopts resolution honoring Rene Baterbonia

The Senate on Wednesday adopted a resolution honoring late basketball player Rene “Bobet” Baterbonia.

Baterbonia’s parents were present in the Senate session hall during the adoption of the resolution.

In his sponsorship speech, Senator Joel Villanueva lauded Baterbonia for bringing honor to his community and serving as an inspiration to the Filipino youth.

Baterbonia led the Davao Region team to the Palarong Pambansa title last year before representing the Philippines at the 2025 ASEAN School Games.

“Higit pa sa kanyang mga parangal, ang tunay na nagpatingkad kay Bobet ay ang kanyang mabuting pagkatao, disiplina, at pagmamahal sa kanyang pamilya at sa bayan,” Villanueva said.

(More than his awards, what truly made Bobet shine was his good character, discipline, and love for his family and country.)

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go also mourned Baterbonia’s death in his sponsorship speech, calling it a loss for the Philippine sporting community.

“As a student-athlete, Bobet’s dedication and sacrifices in representing the country and his school served as an inspiration to the youth,” Go said.

Baterbonia and his teammate, Divine Adili, died in a drowning incident during a team exercise involving the Ateneo de Manila University basketball team in Aurora on June 8.

On July 13, the National Bureau of Investigation recommended that the Department of Justice file charges of reckless imprudence resulting in two counts of homicide against former Ateneo men's basketball team head coach Tab Baldwin and several others. —VBL, GMA News