Binay on Joker Arroyo: Nation lost a patriot, I lost a dear friend

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday expressed his sadness at the passing of former senator Joker Arroyo.

READ: Joker Arroyo passes away at 88

“The death of Joker leaves me with a deep sense of personal loss. The nation has lost a patriot and a true Filipino. I have lost a dear friend, a mentor and a brother,” he said in a statement.

Both Binay and Arroyo were human rights lawyers affiliated with the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) and the Movement of Attorneys for Brotherhood, Integrity and Nationalism Inc. (MABINI) during the dictatorship of former president Ferdinand Marcos.

The Vice President said he and Arroyo have been through a lot together. The two of them were among the lawyers who defended the late Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. before a military tribunal during the martial law.

He said they were together, “fighting for freedom and democracy” both in the courts and on the streets as protesters.

“Joker played a big role in rebuilding the nation from the ashes of the dictatorship,” Binay said. “And he also helped rebuild Makati from a debt-ridden municipality to a model of public service and pro-poor governance. The people of Makati will always be grateful to Joker.”

“The Filipino people will always remember his battles to defend democracy and human rights. I will always keep his memories close to my heart,” he added.

READ: Remembering Joker Arroyo

Several sources have confirmed the death of the former senator although his family has yet to issue an official announcement. Kristine Angeli Sabillo/RAM