Senate adopts resolution honoring Butz Aquino

A RESOLUTION honoring and remembering former senator Agapito “Butz” Aquino for his “invaluable contribution and unwavering diligence as a legislator” was adopted by the Senate on Tuesday.

Resolution 1507, introduced by Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid, was adopted in consideration of Resolution 1509 authored by Senator Maria Lourdes “Nancy” Binay and Resolution 1519 authored by Senate President Franklin Drilon.

The Senate has been flying its flag at half-mast since Aquino passed away Monday as a symbol of mourning.

Senate Secretary Oscar Yabes said the Senate would also sponsor a holy Mass on Wednesday, August 19 at 2 p.m. for the eternal repose of the soul of Aquino to be attended by the Senate community and Aquino’s friends and relatives.

Yabes  said senators led by Drilon would wait for Aquino’s remains at the main entrance of the Senate building at 1:45 p.m.

Aquino’s urn would be placed in the session hall on the second floor of the building where the Mass would be held. Drilon will deliver a eulogy for the former senator after the Mass.

Aquino, who died at the age of 76, served as a senator from 1987 to 1995. He was also the representative of the 2^nd district of Makati from 1998 to 2007.

As a legislator, he was responsible for several landmark laws such as the Magna Carta for Small Farmers, Cooperative Code of the Philippines and the Seed Industry Development Act of 1992, among others. He also helped organize street marches and rallies to fight for people’s rights and democracy.

Drilon said  Aquino’s death was “truly a great loss not only to his own bereaved family, but also to the nation he had fully served with his own personal style, vision, and concrete action program towards a better life for the impoverished masses, always guided by the four principles of ‘Live Simply, Seek Justice, Be Humble, Love Always.”

Binay said Aquino left a legacy of being a statesman that fought for justice, freedom, equality, nationalism and democracy.

“He is an inspiration for many public servants and will be remembered in the hearts of many Filipino people,”  the senator added.

Lapid, in his resolution, said the former senator played a very prominent role “in the restoration of our democracy after his older brother, former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr., was assassinated.”