Recto pays tribute to former colleague Tony Cuenco
MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Monday paid tribute to former Cebu City Rep. Antonio ‘Tony” Cuenco, describing him as a “voice of reason, decency and courage.”
Recto said Cuenco, who died last Saturday due to coronavirus disease, “amplified the yearnings of those without the voice and the power to be heard.”
Recto said he and Cuenco worked together as members of the House of Representatives from 1992-1998. Cuenco died as city councilor of Cebu City, which has seen increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases in the country
As a presiding officer, “his voice was firm, but not brash. His ruling clear, in language that was concise. In the midst of heated debate, he breathed coolant into the microphone,” Recto said.
The Senator also recalled the statesman from Cebu as a representation of “a bygone era when people with clashing views can disagree without being disagreeable, when civility marked discourse.”
“His (voice) was also one of the most brave. It was heard loud and clear during the era when contrarian voices were silenced and many were cowed into obedience,” Recto said.
Tony Cuenco passed on at 84 years of age and was survived by his wife, his daughter, and two sons. (Jim Mendoza, Trainee)
EDV
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