Tito Sotto mourns passing of ex-Senator Tessie Oreta

Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Friday expressed grief over the death of former Senator Tessie Aquino-Oreta.

"My family and I are so saddened by her demise. She was very close to me and [former senator and incumbent DICT] Secretary Greg [Honasan]," Sotto said in a message to reporters.

He added that his wife, veteran actress Helen Gamboa, also mourns the passing of the 75-year-old former lawmaker.

"Helen, being a relative of theirs is devastated by her passing away. She has not stopped crying since we were told the news last night," Sotto said.

SP Sotto on passing of ex-Senator Tessie Oreta: My family and I are so saddened by her demise. She was very close to me and Sec Greg. (1/2) @gmanews

Photo shared by Sen. Sotto pic.twitter.com/4h7eUu5otd

— Dona Magsino (@donamagsino) May 15, 2020

The Senate President remembered Oreta as a "very lively person and a very good legislator."

"Truly a staunch supporter of education for the masses and women empowerment, she was like a sister to me and Greg. Her work ethics are excellent," Sotto said.

"There were many funny anecdotes with her which we can share perhaps in the future, especially the times when the three of us were the Campaign Management Team of FPJ [Fernando Poe Jr.] in 2004. We will miss her terribly," he added.

A resolution honoring the former senator who crafted the Solo Parent Act, Solid Waste Management Act, Philippine Micronutrient Fortification Program, Clean Air Act, and Philippine High School System Act, among others will be filed, according to Sotto.

Malabon Mayor Antolin "Lenlen" Oreta, announced that his mom passed at 10:48 p.m. on Thursday. —AOL/RSJ, GMA News