House sets necrological services for Rep. Escudero

Salvador Escudero III

MANILA, Philippines–The House of Representatives lost one of its hardest-working lawmakers when  Sorsogon Rep. Salvador “Sonny” Escudero succumbed to cancer in Quezon City early Monday.

He was 69.

Escudero died in his sleep at his home after suffering from cancer for two years, according to the House public relations and information chief.

Escudero, father of Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, was a former agriculture secretary during the Marcos administration.

His body was scheduled to be brought to the Mt. Carmel Church in New Manila, Quezon City on Monday afternoon.

He would be brought to the House of Representatives for necrological services on Wednesday.

On Thursday, Escudero is scheduled to be brought to his home province of Sorsogon, according to An Waray Rep. Florencio Noel, a friend of the Escuderos. Noel said the body would be returned to Manila either Saturday or Sunday for cremation.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte mourned the passing of Escudero, whom he described as a “valued personal friend.”

Belmonte also led lawmakers in hailing Escudero for his dedication to his duty as lawmaker, which he did not take lightly. He also extolled Escudero’s distinguished career, from his years as Minister of Food and Agriculture during the Marcos admnistration, and his being dean of the UP College of Veterinary Medicine in Los Baños.

“Despite battling cancer for the past years, Sonny has shown utmost dedication to public service worthy of emulation by all of us who served in government,” Belmonte said.

He added that Escudero religiously attended sessions and committee hearings, and actively participated in all of them despite being in a wheelchair.