Former Sen. Leticia Ramos Shahani. INQUIRER.net
Senators on Monday mourned the passing of former Senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani, who was remembered as a “determined and hardworking” legislator, a “formidable advocate of women’s rights,” and one of the “finest and distinguished” lawmakers the country ever had.
“A celebrated legislator, diplomat, writer and academician, Leticia Ramos-Shahani represented the very best of Filipina skill, intelligence and determination,” Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said in a statement.
“As a neophyte senator back in 1995, I have had the honor of serving with Senator Ramos-Shahani in the halls of Upper Chamber. I remember her as a determined and hardworking lawmaker, who tirelessly championed the passage of key legislation that benefit and positively influence the lives of our people up to this day,” Drilon said.
READ: Former senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani passes away
He said he would be “forever proud” that during his time as Senate President in the 16th Congress, he led the chamber in honoring the life and works of the former senator with Senate Resolution No. 87, which she personally received from them.
“Indeed, the late Senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani remains a shining example of a public servant who our present and future leaders must strive to emulate. While we are saddened by her passing, her legacy will continue to inspire our nation and our people,” Drilon said.
Senator Grace Poe described the late senator as a “formidable advocate of women’s rights,” a “staunch environmentalist” and a “seasoned diplomat.”
“Today, we have lost a formidable advocate of women’s rights, a staunch environmentalist and a seasoned diplomat. From her extensive career in the foreign service to her stint in the Senate, Manang Letty demonstrated how public service should be: sincere, dynamic and exemplary,” Poe said in a separate statement.
“She is an inspiration to generations of women because of her steadfast principles and decisive actions. Our deepest condolences to the Ramos-Shahani family,” she added.
For Legarda, Senator Ramos-Shahani was “one of the finest and distinguished legislators we ever had.”
“As a legislator, diplomat, environmentalist, educator, culture & women’s rights advocate, she fervently pushed for women empowerment both here & in the international arena,” Legarda said in another statement.
“Manang Letty, thank you for your untiring service to the Filipino nation. You will be missed greatly,” she added.
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, president of the Liberal Party, thanked the late senator for her “distinguished service” both in the executive and legislative branches.
“The nation is grateful for her distinguished service both in the executive and legislative branches. We extend our sincere condolences to her family,” Pangilinan said in a text message. CBB/rga