MANILA, Philippines – Namayapa na si dating Senador Rene Augusto Verceluz Saguisag, kilalang human rights advocate sa panahon ng diktaduryang Marcos at nagtaguyod ng Free Legal Assistance Group, inihayag ng pamilya nitong Miyerkoles, Abril 24, 2024.
Sa pahayag, sinabi ng pamilya na humihingi muna sila ng pansamantang privacy sa pagdadalamhati sa pagpanaw ng dating senador saka ipagbibigay-alam ang public viewing.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Papa and Lolo,” ayon sa pamilya na ipinost sa Facebook ng anak ni Saguisag, si lawyer Rebo Saguisag.
“We will soon announce details of the service honoring his life, and we look forward to the opportunity to gather and pay tribute to a life lived with integrity and purpose,” ayon sa pamilya.
Ayon sa nakababatang Saguisad na mananatili sa kanilang puso at alaala ang inspirasyon na makapaglingkod para sa mas mahusay na pamumuhay.
“Papa/Lolo has passed on, but his spirit will continue to inspire us to strive for a more just world,” aniya.
Nahalal si Saguisad noong 1987 halos isang taon matapos mapatalsik ang diktaduryang Marcos sanhi ng malawakang dayaan at korapsiyon noong 1986.
Nagsilbi si Saguisag mula 1987 hanggang 1992 at naglingkod bilang chairman ng
Senate Committee on Ethics and Privilege at Ad Hoc Committee on the Bataan Nuclear power plant.
Mula 1972, nang ideklara ni Marcos ang Batas Militar o Martial Law, hanggang People Power Revolution noong 1986, nagsilbi si Saguisag bilang human rights lawyer.
Noong January 22, 1986, nagsilbing spokesperson si Saguisag sa kandidatura ni dating president-elect Cory Aquino.
“Rene Saguisag was a dedicated public servant, and his tireless endeavors as a human rights advocate, senator, and writer stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice, truth, and democracy,” ayon sa pamilya. Ernie Reyes
