Senators mourn passing of radio host, former senator Eddie Ilarde
MANILA, Philippines — Senators have mourned the passing of known television and radio host, as well as former senator Eddie Ilarde, who died on Tuesday at the age of 85.
Senator Lito Lapid, who like Ilarde crossed entertainment and public service, said that it is heartening to remember the late politician’s life, from his exploits as councilor, congressman and then senator to his stint in radio and television.
Ilarde, best known as “Kuya Eddie” for his radio program “Kahapon Lamang”, where the lives of ordinary people were featured.
“Walang makakalimot sa alaala ng tinaguriang ‘Kuya Eddie’ na umantig sa puso ng ating mga kababayan dahil sa kanyang programa sa radyo na ‘Kahapon Lamang’, na nagbigay tinig sa istorya ng maraming Pilipino. Maituturing na haligi ng industriya ng telebisyon at radyo si Eddie lalo’t kabilang sa kanyang mga naging programa ang noo’y sikat na sikat na Student Canteen,” Lapid said in a statement.
“Sa kanyang mga nalalabing taon, hindi rin sya natinag sa paglilingkod sa mga senior citizen sa pamamagitan ng kanyang Golden Eagles Society,” he added.
Senator Francis Pangilinan meanwhile lauded Ilarde, a Liberal Party member, for guiding him despite their respective terms in the Senate not crossing.
“Taos-puso ang ating pakikiramay sa pamilya ni Senator Eddie Ilarde sa kanyang pagpanaw. Bukod sa pagiging Liberal at isa sa mga survivor ng Plaza Miranda bombing, nakilala ng sambayanan si Eddie Ilarde dahil sa pagiging isang batikang radio at TV personality sa kanyang programang ‘Napakasakit, Kuya Eddie!’ at Student Canteen,” Pangilinan said.
“Bagamat di kami nag-abot ni Senator Ilarde sa Senado, patuloy ang aming komunikasyon at ilang beses din niya tayong binisita sa ating opisina. Mapalad ako at sinali niya ako sa kanyang music album Famous ‘Singers’ kung saan napilit niya akong kumanta ng paborito kong ‘If I Keep My Heart Out of Sight’,” he added.
Ilarde was among the scores of senatorial candidates and civilians who were injured when two grenades were lobbed on the stage during the LP’s 1971 “miting de avance” at Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Manila.
According to Ilarde’s family, the late senator died of natural causes, and not from the latest coronavirus strain. [ac]
