Senate adopts reso honoring late former Sen. Rene Saguisag

The Senate on Tuesday adopted a resolution honoring and expressing the chamber's condolences on the passing of former Senator Rene Saguisag.

Saguisag's family received a copy of the Senate resolution after the adoption of the measure.

In his sponsorship speech, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri acknowledged the late senator as "a man of the people and a man for the people."

"He dedicated his life to fighting for those who have less in life and those who could not fight for themselves,” Zubiri said.

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, in her co-sponsorship speech, said Saguisag championed the cause of justice and he spoke out for the abused and oppressed "even at the risk of his own life."

Several senators also shared their personal encounters with Saguisag and honored him for his statesmanship.

Proposed Senate Resolution 1009 was filed by Zubiri, 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 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.

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

His family decided not to hold a necrological service for Saguisag. —VAL, GMA Integrated News