Robin Padilla mourns for another Rene

BIBO NUEVA ESPAÑA/SENATE PRIB

MANILA, Philippines — It was a solemn tribute to rights defender Rene Saguisag in the Senate on Tuesday until Sen. Robinhood “Robin” Padilla uttered a name of another senator, who died over two decades ago.

One by one, senators stood up on the floor to pay tribute to Saguisag and remember his legacy.

When it was Padilla’s turn, however, he mistakenly extended his condolences to the family of Rene Cayetano, instead of Saguisag.

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

“Hinihiling ko po sa inyo na makasama ako sa resolusyon na ito. At buong puso po ako at buong kaisipan at buong kaluluwa na nakikiramay po sa pamilya ni Senator Rene Cayetano. Maraming salamat po (I am requesting that I be included in this resolution. And with all my heart, mind, and soul, I sympathize with the family of Senator Rene Cayetano. Thank you very much),” said Padilla.

However, Rene Cayetano died in 2003. Saguisag’s death, on the other hand was announced by his family on April 24.

No one seemed to notice the lapse although Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri was seen briefly smiling before the camera panned to another direction.

All 24 senators were present during Tuesday’s session, which means that the Cayetano siblings — Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano — were also at the hall when their father’s name was mentioned by their colleague.

An honest mistake

In a text message to INQUIRER.net, Padilla clarified that it was only an honest mistake.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it,” he said.

“But just like in the first part of my speech, I am referring to Sen. Rene Saguisag. He was my lawyer,” he added.

It is also important to note that in a public hearing held prior to the session, the senator admitted that he is feeling under the weather, disclosing that he was recently discharged from the hospital. Padilla said he passed out and was actually advised by his doctor to stay at home and rest.

He, however, opted to go to work and physically attend the Senate session.

According to Padilla, his relationship with Saguisag was personal as the latter personally reached out to him when he was sentenced by the lower court. “I was surprised when he contacted me. He said he wanted to help me and then expressed his willingness to be my lawyer when my case was elevated to the Court of Appeals,” said Padilla.

“He told me: Every Filipino — everyone — has rights. And that’s what I am going to fight for. Your rights,” he added.