Senate reso honoring 'staunch human rights defender' Saguisag filed

A resolution honoring the life and contributions of former Rene Saguisag to the nation has been filed in the Senate.

Proposed Senate Resolution 1009 was filed by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, and Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III.

"Senator Saguisag was unwavering in his fight for justice and human rights throughout his life. He was humble, competent, and had an unimpeachable dedication to serve the Filipino people, especially the poor and disenfranchised," the resolution read.

"Senator Saguisag's enduring legacy rightfully earns him a place in the annals of our nation's history and serves as a beacon to current and future public servants and legal practitioners. His passing is a great loss not only to his bereaved family but to the entire nation," it added.

In the resolution, the Senate leaders noted Saguisag's stint in the chamber from 1987 to 1992 where he chaired the committee on ethics and privileges and the ad hoc committee on the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.

His contribution to the enactment of legislations to "uphold the integrity and highest standards in public service' was likewise acknowledged, particularly the Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and Republic Act No. 6770 or the Ombudsman Act of 1989.

The incumbent senators also highlighted Saguisag's "long, illustrious career" as a lawyer and human rights defender for devoting his life in providing legal assistance to the victims of the Martial Law period and for handling various cases against law enforcers accused of killing peasants activists and journalists as member of the Free Legal Assistance Group.

Last April 24, Saguisag's family announced the passing of the former senator.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/904586/ex-senator-rene-saguisag-passes-away/story/

His family decided not to hold a necrological service for Saguisag.

By tradition, a necrological service is held for former members of the Senate who passed away. — Hana Bordey/RSJ, GMA Integrated News