Rodolfo Biazon remembered: Senators hail his legacy on bittersweet Independence Day

MANILA, Philippines — Senators lamented the passing of former senator Rodolfo “Pong” Biazon’s death on the country’s 125th commemoration of Independence Day.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, a neophyte senator during Biazon’s term, expressed his gratitude for their time together.

“This is a bittersweet Independence Day, as the nation mourns the passing of Senator Rodolfo Biazon, one of our staunchest defenders of the peace and democracy that we are enjoying today,” said Zubiri in a statement.

He said that he was fortunate to learn from Biazon, who had also served as the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Zubiri said he brought that discipline from the military to the Senate.

“I am grateful for the time that we spent in the Senate together, and I am glad we had one last chance to reconnect with him last October when he attended the Senate reunion. He was as bright and astute as ever and a fountain of guidance and wisdom for those of us currently in the Senate,” said Zubiri.

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda also expressed sorrow over Biazon’s passing.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my former colleague in the Senate, Sen. Rodolfo ‘Pong’ Biazon, a true officer and public servant who dedicated his life to public service. His unwavering commitment to our nation’s security and welfare will forever be remembered,” said Legarda in a Twitter post.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of my former colleague in the Senate, Sen. Rodolfo "Pong" Biazon, a true officer and public servant who dedicated his life to public service. His unwavering commitment to our nation's security and welfare will forever be remembered. He can now…

— Loren Legarda (@loren_legarda) June 12, 2023

She also extended her condolences to Biazon’s family, which includes his wife, Monchie Biazon and children Rita Biazon, Rino Biazon, and Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

Likewise, Sen. Francis Escudero on Twitter also expressed his condolences to the family.

“My sincerest condolences and prayers to the family and loved ones of Senator Rodolfo ‘Pong’ Biazon, a former colleague in the Senate and fellow worker in Government who served his country impeccably,” said Escudero.

https://twitter.com/SayChiz/status/1668084763234799617?s=20

Sen. Grace Poe also condoled with Biazon’s family, saying that “we lost an exemplar soldier and solon.”

“His valuable work in fortifying the military institution and in lawmaking will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in these trying times,” said Poe.

“Our thoughts and prayers to the family of former Senator Rodolfo Biazon,” said Sen. Nancy Binay in a Facebook post.

https://www.facebook.com/SenatorNancyBinay/posts/pfbid02rpkoyALN6jjNC8srwvezK2pDHvwn5TbDaZWqqZi6iCLPp1E3Am9QeUbyK6ijkqZcl

Sen. Ramon Revilla, who also worked with Biazon in the Senate, said that it was fitting for him to pass on during Independence Day.

“He is the embodiment of a true officer and gentleman who devoted his entire life to serving the Philippines and the Filipino people, that can be felt in his heart and love for the country. And today—Independence Day—is very fitting to be when he was called upon by our Creator to go home,” said Revilla in a mix of English and Filipino.

Opposition leader Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality, called the military man Biazon a source of strength for women.

“Even before I became senator, Sen. Pong was a steady source of strength for us women and women’s advocates in our fight for the passage of the Reproductive Health Law. Regarded as macho due to his military background, he challenged stereotypes to stand not just for, but with women,” said Hontiveros in a statement.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueve also said that he mourned with the country. Villauneva had worked with Biazon in the 14th Congress back when the former was a partylist representative.

“I will never forget the lessons he has taught me as well as his sense of humor which has been intact until his final days,” he said in a statement.

Sen. Robin Padilla also said that Biazon had stood for democracy and freedom, saying that “his principles, both as a soldier and as a lawmaker, will be one legacy we will never forget.”

“His place in our history is secure, and what he has left behind – which was briefly considered to be made into a movie where I would have played a role – will always be an inspiration to me,” said Padilla.

Biazon died on Monday at the age of 88 years old. He had been confined to the hospital due to pneumonia.

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