Senators honor Susan Roces: She’s a national treasure, reachable star

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Monday expressed its condolences on the death of veteran actress Susan Roces, who was described as a “national treasure” and the “foremost leading lady of local cinema.”

The senators adopted Senate Resolution No. 1002 expressing the Senate’s sympathy and condolences on the passing of Roces, the late mother of Senator Grace Poe.

In sponsoring the resolution, Senate President Vicente Sotto III remembered the veteran actress, who starred in over 130 movies, for her contributions to the industry.

“Today, we honor the life of a movie icon, a true Filipina, and a national treasure. However, it has been said that the best speech delivered in occasions like this do not emanate from the speakers, but from the deed or the legacy of the person being honored.” said Sotto.

“Susan, your life is an inspiration to not only those who have been and are still part of the movie industry but also to all Filipinos whose lives you have touched – whether through your deeds or movies you have starred in,” he added.

Sotto also said that Roces “could have been another beautiful first lady.”

Roces is the wife of late Philipine movie icon, Fernando Poe Jr., who ran for president in 2004.

“Indeed, Fernando Poe, Jr. and Susan Roces made a perfect pair. FPJ could have been a good president and Susan could have been another beautiful first lady – a king and a queen, in fact,” the Senate president said.

“They are both considered as pillars of the Philippine movie industry whose passing is definitely a big loss to the industry,” Sotto added.

‘Reachable star’ 

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto remembered Roces as a “reachable star,” someone who treats people with kindness and dignity.

“For 80 years her star shone bright, her performances illuminating the traits which make us great, as well as the foibles that prevent us from being so,” Recto said.

“For many young women, in tinseltown or out, she was the proverbial star in the sky one cannot touch, but by following it would lead you to your destination,” he added.

“But, no, she was a reachable star, always displaying the true mark of class: by treating kindly and with dignity the people who work for her and with her,” he further said.

 Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri also paid tribute to Roces, calling her a “pillar of Philippine cinema.”

 Senators Joel Villanueva and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. likewise honored the late veteran actress. Senator Sonny Angara also offered prayers for the late actress earlier in the session.

Poe thanked her colleagues for their tributes to her mother.

 She again recalled her last phone call with her mother, which was about the signing of the Foundling Recognition and Protection Act.

Poe extended her appreciation to Senators Risa Hontiveros and Pia Cayetano for their leading role in the passage of the bill in the Senate.

“That’s full circle already in her life. That was maybe her signal that, you know, it’s time to go,” Poe said, referring to the enactment of the bill into law.

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