Senate resolution filed to honor Saguisag’s ‘unwavering fight for justice’

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

MANILA, Philippines — A resolution expressing profound sympathy and condolences to the family and loved ones of the late former Sen. Rene Saguisag has been filed in the Senate.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, and Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III filed Senate Resolution No. 1009 on April 25 — a day after Saguisag’s death at the age of 84 was confirmed by his family.

“Senator Saguisag was unwavering in his fight for justice and human rights throughout his life. He was humble, competent, and had an unimpeachable dedication to serve the Filipino people, especially the poor and disenfranchised,” the resolution reads.

“Senator Saguisag’s enduring legacy rightfully earned him a place in the annals of our nation’s history and serves as a beacon to current and future public servants and legal practitioners,” the document notes.

“His passing is a great loss not only to his bereaved family but to the entire nation,” it adds.

READ: Rene Saguisag championed better legal rights for the underdog – senators 

Apart from being a former senator, Saguisag was known for his long career as a lawyer and human rights defender.

He provided legal assistance to victims of human rights abuses during the martial law.

Saguisag also became the spokesman for President Cory Aquino in 1986.

He 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.