MANILA, Philippines — Senators on Friday mourned the death of former actor and senator Ramon Revilla Sr., who passed away at the age of 93 due to heart failure.
“I share the grief of the family of my good friend and former colleague, former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr., ‘Don Ramon’ to many of us, on his passing this afternoon. The pain of losing someone we love leaves a deep hole in our hearts which no one can ever replace,” Senate President Vicente Sotto III said in a statement.
Sotto remembered Revilla for his “kind and good heart” as well as his “love for the masses.”
“[H]is deep concern for the welfare of our underprivileged brothers and sisters was an inspiring light that laid down the parameters of authentic public service,” he said.
“He has taught me that public adulation is not and should never be used as a benchmark for who and what a true public servant is. As our nation mourns his passing, may his family be comforted with the fact that their patriarch was well loved by the people,” he added.
‘We’re behind you’
Senator Richard Gordon, meanwhile, condoled with the late actor’s son and namesake, incumbent Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.
“My wife, Kate, and I join the nation in mourning the loss of Sen. Ramon Revilla, Sr. Not only was Don Ramon a legendary public servant when he was a member of the Senate, but he was also a legend in the movie industry,” Gordon said.
My wife, Kate, and I join the nation in mourning the loss of Sen. Ramon Revilla, Sr. Not only was Don Ramon a legendary public servant when he was a member of the Senate, but he was also a legend in the movie industry. pic.twitter.com/0q90Gn4Ulx
— Richard J. Gordon (@DickGordonDG) June 26, 2020
“To Bong & the rest of the Revilla family, I’m extremely sorry for your father’s passing. I hope the warmth & sympathy of numerous friends who love & cherish him will provide comfort in this moment of grief. Kate & I offer prayers & condolences. Keep strong always, Bong. We’re behind you,” he added.
Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Sonny Angara also offered their condolences to the Revilla family.
“My deepest sympathies go out to the family of former Senator Ramon Revilla Sr. My prayers are with you during this difficult time,” Gatchalian wrote on Twitter.
My deepest sympathies go out to the family of former Senator Ramon Revilla Sr. My prayers are with you during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/KcOmknzUkq
— Win Gatchalian (@WinGatchalian74) June 26, 2020
Angara, in a tweet, said: “Condolences to the Revilla family on the passing of patriarch ex Senator Ramon Sr.”
Condolences to the Revilla family on the passing of patriarch ex Senator Ramon Sr.-SenBong,MayorLani VGovJolo,Congstrike mayorAndeng/JunY 🙏
— Sonny Angara (@sonnyangara) June 26, 2020
Revilla served as a senator from 1992 to 2004. He was also an award-winning actor best known for his movie roles Nardong Putik and Pepeng Agimat.