Past, present solons cite Saguisag’s role, contribution to PH democracy

Former Senator Rene Saguisag (SENATE PRIB PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines —   Past and present members of the House if Representatives on Wednesday mourned the death of former senator Rene Saguisag, with one saying that he hopes younger generations of Filipinos emulate and get to know the lawyer and lawmaker’s importance and contribution to Philippine democracy.

Former Agusan del Sur 1st District Rep. Lawrence Fortun said that Saguisag’s death marks a “generational time shift in our contemporary political history” as the former senator and his contemporaries present a different period for Philippine politics.

Saguisag’s role in restoring democracy and upholding human rights, Fortun said, is an important topic that the younger generation should learn.

“We can only hope and pray that the Millennials, Gen Zs, and future generations will be taught through social media, livestreams, and classroom history lessons how and why Rene Saguisag devoted his life to the rule of law, human rights, good governance, and education so that they are able to live their lives in freedom and prosperity,” Fortun said.

“At best, present memory and awareness of Rene Saguisag’s life reached the consciousness of those born in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, so I have concerns about how those born in the 21st century even know who Rene Saguisag is.  It is now up to those who were alive when Rene Saguisag was very much in the public eye to remind the younger generations of how his life continues to matter,” he added.

Senior Citizen party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes said that he and elder members of the Philippine society have seen what Saguisag was capable of.

“We, the seniors of today, hold in our memories of the Philippine history we experienced in our own lives and through others’ lives.  In my senior mind, I will forever see Rene Saguisag as a freedom fighter and a true crusader for the poor and disadvantaged,” he said.

“When we celebrate National Heroes Day every August, we must not forget to recall the heroism of Rene Saguisag and his contemporaries, who fought for the freedoms some of us take for granted today.  Rene Saguisag is a contemporary Filipino hero,” he added.

Ordanes suggested that government produce textbooks containing Filipinos who can be considered contemporary heroes, like Saguisag.

“As a member of the House Committee on Higher Education, I highly recommend to the Commission on Higher Education the production of college textbooks about the contemporary heroes of the Philippines, like former Senator Rene Saguisag, and the inclusion of these heroes’ contributions to our country’s history curriculum,” he said.

Saguisag’s family confirmed that the former senator died on Wednesday morning, leaving behind a legacy of fighting for human rights and opposing policies that he believes are not in the best interests of Filipinos.

“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 family’s 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.”

According to his profile at the Senate, Saguisag finished his basic education at the Makati Elementary School in 1951, secondary course with Rizal High School in 1955, before taking Bachelor of Arts and law degree at the San Beda College.

He earned his master of laws degree from the Harvard University in 1968.