MANILA, Philippines – Buong pusong nakiramay si Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri sa pagpanaw ni dating Senador Rene Augusto Verceluz Saguisag, kilalang freedom fighter sa panahon ng diktaduryang Marcos.
Kaugnay nito, nagpahatid din ng kanya-kanyang pakikiramay sina Senador Grace Poe at Chiz Escudero sa pagpanaw ng dating senador sa pagsasabi na isa siyang tunay na makabayan.
Sa pahayag, pinuri ni Zubiri ang isa sa utak ng Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) na nagtatanggol at kumakatawan sa Filipinong ipinakukulong ng diktaduryang Marcos, bilang isang taong may tunay na karangalan, dignidad at integridad.
“He may have just served one term in the Senate, but his entire life was devoted to pursuing justice and fairness for every Filipino, particularly through such initiatives as the Free Legal Assistance Group,” ayon kay Zubiri.
Bilang miyembro ng Senado pagkatapos mapatalsik ang diktaduryang Marcos sanhi ng malawakang korapsiyon at dayaan tuwing halalan, isinulong ni Saguisad ang ilang batas na nagtatakda ng pinakamataas na pamantayan sa public service, kabilang dito ang Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (R.A. 6713) at at Ombudsman Act of 1989 (R.A. 6770).
“While leaving an indelible mark as a true statesman, he also emulated and lived out the principle that those who have less in life should have more in law by giving free legal services to the poor and needy,” ayon kay Zubiri.
Ayon kay Zubiri, nag-iwan si Saguisag ng legasiya ng serbisyo at excellence na ipinagpapatuloy bilang benchmark ng batang abogado at public servants.
“We express our deepest and sincerest condolences to the loved ones of Sen. Saguisag, and may the Lord grant them peace and comfort during this time of great loss,” ayon kay Zubiri.
Kasabay nito, nakiramay din sina Poe at Escudero sa pagpanaw ng dating senador na kilalang nagsusulong ng good governance at katarungan.
“We condole with the nation for the loss of a staunch advocate for good governance and justice. A legal luminary, he has devoted his time and brilliance to many, especially the disadvantaged in society,” ayon kay Poe.
Sinabi ni Poe na tinindigan ni Saguisag ang kanyang pakikihamok at laban sa kanyang citizenship sa korte, at walang kondisyong ibinahagi niya ang kanyang kaalamanan at payo.
“In our citizenship battle with the courts, Sen. Rene had stood with us, unconditionally lending his wit and wisdom, and for this, we will forever hold him dear,” ayon kay Poe.
“Our deepest sympathies to his bereaved family and may his soul rest in peace,” dagdag ng senador.
Samantala, kinilala naman ni Escudero sa kanyang Twitter account bilang isang tunay na patriot, nationalist at tapat na public servant.
“My sincere condolences and prayers to the family and loved ones of former Senator Rene V. Saguisag. He was a patriot, a nationalist and an honest public servant,” ayon kay Escudero.
“Saguisag is best remembered as a dedicated public servant and his advocacy for justice remains significant to this day,” ani Escudero. Ernie Reyes
