Former Sen. Rene Saguisag dies

Former Sen. Rene Saguisag (File photo from the Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines — Former Sen. Rene Saguisag, a human rights lawyer, has died, his son, Rebo Saguisag, announced in a statement he posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday.

“We are grateful that, in his final months, he was able to spend time with relatives, friends and countless supporters. He passed away knowing he was much loved and respected,” the statement said.

“We request that our family be granted a few moments of privacy as we grieve. We will soon announce details of the service honoring his life, and we look forward to the opportunity to gather and pay tribute to a life lived with integrity and purpose.

“Papa/Lolo has passed on, but his spirit will continue to inspire us to strive for a more just world.”

No other details were provided as of this writing.

Saguisag was 84.

Apart from being a lawmaker, the Senate of the Philippines’ website said Saguisag likewise worked as a checker, laborer, construction site guard and messenger from 1959 to 1962.

He also became the spokesperson for then presidential candidate and President-elect Cory Aquino in 1986.

Saguisag served as a senator from 1987 until 1992.

He chaired the Senate committee on ethics and privilege and the ad hoc committee on the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.