Bongbong grieves over ‘true friend’ Ernesto Maceda’s death

Former Senator Ernesto Maceda, 81. (INQUIRER.NET FILE PHOTO)

Outgoing Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has condoled with the family of the late former Senate President Ernesto Maceda, whom he described as a “true friend” and a “second father to many of us.”

“My deepest condolences to the family and friends of former Senate President Ernesto Maceda,” Marcos, son of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, said in a statement on Tuesday.

“He was among the best and brightest who served in my father’s Cabinet,” the senator said of Maceda.

READ: Ernesto Maceda, 81

According to the profile posted on the official website of the Senate, Maceda went into exile in the United States after the late strongman declared martial law in 1972.

He was first elected senator in 1971 but his term was cut short because of martial law.

After martial law, Maceda returned to the Senate and served two consecutive terms–from 1987 to 1992 and from 1992 to 1998.

He became Senate president from 1996 to 1998.

Senator Marcos said Maceda’s “entire life’s record of public service is a testament not only to his brilliance but dedication to his calling.”

READ: Palace, Binay mourn Ernesto Maceda’s death

“But most of all, he was a true friend and a second father to many of us,” he said.

“Rest in peace, Manong Ernie,” the senator added. JE/rga