May polls bets express condolences to Señeres family

Candidates in the May elections on Monday expressed their condolences to the family of OFW Family Club party-list Rep. Roy Señeres Sr., who died from cardiac arrest due to complications from diabetes.

“I am deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden demise of Ambassador Roy Señeres. He is a big loss to the OFWs and their families, whose causes and concerns he had fought for. Our deepest condolences to his family,” Sen. Francis Escudero said in a press statement.

He also appealed to the people to pray for the eternal repose of Señeres, as well as for strength for his loved ones during this difficult time.

In an interview after attending dzBB’s Ikaw Na Ba? The Vice Presidential candidate, Honasan lauded Señeres for his “noble intentions for our country."

“The fact that he, until he withdrew from the race, had plans for our people—it is unfortunate that he passed away. He had so much to contribute not only as a presidential candidate but even as a private citizen. So I think he is a loss not only to the array of contenders but also to the country,” he said.

Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., for his part, said that the former ambassador’s life was one of dedication and service to his countrymen.

“He championed the rights of overseas Filipino workers as a diplomat and fought for the causes of the oppressed labor sector as chairman of the National Labor Relations Commission. I extend my deepest condolences to his loved ones. May we offer some time off to remember the Ambassador/Congressman or ‘AmbaCong’s’ words, deeds and achievements,” he said.

The three senators are running for vice president.

Presidential candidate Sen. Grace Poe, meanwhile, said Señeres leaves a legacy as a champion of the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“He will be remembered for his cause to make better working conditions for Filipino workers through their security of tenure. Our prayers are with him and his family,” Poe said in a statement.

The late lawmaker was appointed labor attaché in Washington, DC in 1990 and served there until 1993. He was then designated as the Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates in 1994. He held his post in the Middle East until 1998.

Señeres, 68, was to run for president under the Partido ng Manggagawa at Magsasaka until he withdrew his candidacy last Friday for health reasons. —ALG, GMA News