Palace extols Heherson Alvarez as ‘freedom fighter’

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday sent its condolences to the family of former senator Heherson Alvarez who passed away due to the coronavirus disease (COVID0-19).

Alvarez’s son Hexilon confirmed his death Monday. He was 80.

“The Palace expresses its deep condolences to the family, led by his wife Cecile, friends, colleagues of Senator Heherson ‘Sonny’ Alvarez,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

Roque lauded Alvarez for his “distinguished record as a public servant.”

“He served the government for over forty years as a constitutional delegate, freedom fighter, legislator, and former Cabinet member,” Roque said.

“We pray that the perpetual light will shine upon Senator Sonny, and that his soul, through the mercy of the Almighty, may rest in eternal peace,” he added.

Chief Presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo also expressed grief over Alvarez’s death by reminiscing his friendship with the late senator.

“My friendship with the late former Senator dates back to my days in the University of the Philippines, which further deepened during the years of the Marcos presidency when we were together in the parliament of the streets,” Panelo said in a statement.

“While we were in the opposite ideological sides during the Aquino years, such divide did not stain our personal friendship, which continued all these years till he succumbed to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) today, April 20, 2020,” he added.

Alvarez was a staunch supporter of former president Corazon Aquino, and was a fierce critic of the Marcos regime.

Panelo added Alvarez’s activism brought “positive changes in public administration, most especially in the field of human rights.”

He also wished for the recovery of Alvarez’s wife.

Alvarez and his wife Cecile were reported to be infected with the coronavirus last March.

Last April 6, the late senator’s son said his mother has been extubated while Alvarez remained in a critical condition.