Former Senator Rene Saguisag (SENATE PRIB PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate unanimously adopted on Tuesday a resolution expressing the chamber’s profound sympathy and sincere condolences to the family of staunch rights defender and late former senator Rene Saguisag.
Meantime, Sen. Robinhood Padilla apologized for mistakenly citing and mentioning another late former senator and namesake of Saguisag, Rene Cayetano, in his manifestation.
Senate Resolution No. 1009 was introduced by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, and Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III.
It was adopted during the Senate’s Tuesday plenary session.
Zubiri, in his sponsorship speech, said Saguisag was a “man of the people and a man for the people.”
“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”, the resolution reads.
Prior to being elected senator, Saguisag served as a human rights defender. He provided legal assistance to victims of human rights abuses during the Martial Law period.
Senators said Saguisag was “unwavering in his fight for justice and human rights throughout his life,” adding that he was humble, competent, and had an unimpeachable dedication to serve the Filipino people, especially the poor and disenfranchised.
Saguisag’s death was announced by his family on April 24. He was 84.
“Honest mistake”
Senators were taking turns remembering Saguisag’s legacy, gearing for the adoption of a resolution honoring the late lawmaker’s unwavering fight for justice.
“Hinihiling ko po sa inyo na makasama ako sa resolusyon na ito. At buong puso po ako at buong kaisipan at buong kaluluwa na nakikiramay po sa pamilya ni Senator Rene Cayetano. Maraming salamat po,” said Padilla.
(I am requesting that I be included in this resolution. And with all my heart, mind, and soul — I sympathize with the family of Senator Rene Cayetano. Thank you very much.)
In a text message to INQUIRER.net, Padilla clarified that it was only an honest mistake.
“Pasensya na po. Hindi po sinasadya,” he said. (I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.)
Rene Cayetano died in 2003.
According to Padilla, his relationship with Saguisag was personal as the latter personally reached out to him when he was sentenced by a lower court.
“Nagulat na lang ako noong bigla akong kinontak ni Sen. Rene Saguisag. Sinabi po nya na nais nya po akong tulungan — at [nais nyang] maging abogado ko sa Court of Appeals,” said Padilla.
(I was surprised that he suddenly contacted me. He said he likes to help me and then he expressed his willingness to be my lawyer.)