In a Facebook post yesterday morning, his son Rebo Saguisag said: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Papa and Lolo." The younger Saguisag did not mention the cause of his father's death.
"As we mourn his loss, we take solace in the enduring impact of his legacy.
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," the statement read.
Saguisag was elected senator in 1987 in the first post-EDSA people power polls and served until 1992.
He was chairman of the Senate committee on ethics and privilege and ad hoc committee on the Bataan nuclear power plant.
Born Aug. 14, 1939 in Mauban, Quezon, Saguisag has four children with his late wife Dulce Maramba Quintans, who died in a car crash in 2007 which the former senator survived.
Rebo's post added, "For him, expertise in law was a means to serve the poor and disenfranchised, and he provided free legal aid to those in need. We are grateful that, in his final months, he was able to spend time with relatives, friends and countless supporters.
He passed away knowing that he was much loved and respected." Rebo said, "We request that our family be granted a few moments of privacy as we grieve. 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.
Papa/Lolo has passed on, but his spirit will continue to inspire us to strive for a more just world." As the Philippine flag at the Senate compound was flown at halfstaff, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri joined "the country in mourning the passing of Saguisag, a man of true honor, dignity and integrity."
"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," Zubiri added.
Zubiri said that as a member of the Senate, Saguisag co-authored laws that up to now uphold the highest standards in public service, such as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act 6713) and the Ombudsman Act of 1989 (RA 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," the Senate President said. "Sen. Saguisag leaves behind a legacy of service and excellence that continues to be a benchmark for many young lawyers and public servants." Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III said he and his wife Kat "joined our nation in mourning the passing of a remarkable leader and human rights lawyer."
"I fondly recall the moments we shared with Senator Saguisag, particularly during the wake of my father, (former senator Aquilino) Tatay Nene Pimentel, his friend and contemporary. Senator Rene sang 'You Are My Sunshine' during the wake with such sincerity. He deeply touched us all," he said, at the same time recalling how Saguisag asked his father to deliver a message to Dulce. "I am certain that Tita Dulce and Tatay Nene await your arrival in heaven." Sen. Grace Poe said Saguisag "devoted his time and brilliance to many, especially the disadvantaged in society," remembering how he stood by her in her "citizenship battle with the courts." Sen. Francis Escudero expressed his condolences and prayers to the family and loved ones of the former senator. In a statement on X, Escudero described Saguisag as a patriot, nationalist and an honest public servant.
During the martial law years, Saguisag was a prominent opposition figure, working as a human rights lawyer. He played a crucial role as the first spokesman for president Corazon Aquino following the 1986 people power revolution.
A longtime resident of Bigasan Street in Palanan, Makati, Saguisag is best remembered as a dedicated public servant and his advocacy for justice remains significant to this day. He was one of 12 senators who voted against the extension of the US military bases treaty in 1991.
Sen. Robinhood Padilla also extended his "deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Ka Rene Saguisag," who he considered a mentor not only in law but in life.
"Ka Rene is not only smart, he was 'very smart.' If he wrote an opinion, you need to read it carefully and repeat it to make sure you understand his writing correctly. Thank you very much for the wisdom you shared with us. We will never forget you," he said.
Senate President Pro-Tempore Loren Legarda said "more than a lawmaker, Senator Rene served as a voice of the voiceless, fearlessly speaking up in a time when people were afraid to and defendin...
"As we mourn his loss, we take solace in the enduring impact of his legacy.
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," the statement read.
Saguisag was elected senator in 1987 in the first post-EDSA people power polls and served until 1992.
He was chairman of the Senate committee on ethics and privilege and ad hoc committee on the Bataan nuclear power plant.
Born Aug. 14, 1939 in Mauban, Quezon, Saguisag has four children with his late wife Dulce Maramba Quintans, who died in a car crash in 2007 which the former senator survived.
Rebo's post added, "For him, expertise in law was a means to serve the poor and disenfranchised, and he provided free legal aid to those in need. We are grateful that, in his final months, he was able to spend time with relatives, friends and countless supporters.
He passed away knowing that he was much loved and respected." Rebo said, "We request that our family be granted a few moments of privacy as we grieve. 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.
Papa/Lolo has passed on, but his spirit will continue to inspire us to strive for a more just world." As the Philippine flag at the Senate compound was flown at halfstaff, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri joined "the country in mourning the passing of Saguisag, a man of true honor, dignity and integrity."
"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," Zubiri added.
Zubiri said that as a member of the Senate, Saguisag co-authored laws that up to now uphold the highest standards in public service, such as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act 6713) and the Ombudsman Act of 1989 (RA 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," the Senate President said. "Sen. Saguisag leaves behind a legacy of service and excellence that continues to be a benchmark for many young lawyers and public servants." Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III said he and his wife Kat "joined our nation in mourning the passing of a remarkable leader and human rights lawyer."
"I fondly recall the moments we shared with Senator Saguisag, particularly during the wake of my father, (former senator Aquilino) Tatay Nene Pimentel, his friend and contemporary. Senator Rene sang 'You Are My Sunshine' during the wake with such sincerity. He deeply touched us all," he said, at the same time recalling how Saguisag asked his father to deliver a message to Dulce. "I am certain that Tita Dulce and Tatay Nene await your arrival in heaven." Sen. Grace Poe said Saguisag "devoted his time and brilliance to many, especially the disadvantaged in society," remembering how he stood by her in her "citizenship battle with the courts." Sen. Francis Escudero expressed his condolences and prayers to the family and loved ones of the former senator. In a statement on X, Escudero described Saguisag as a patriot, nationalist and an honest public servant.
During the martial law years, Saguisag was a prominent opposition figure, working as a human rights lawyer. He played a crucial role as the first spokesman for president Corazon Aquino following the 1986 people power revolution.
A longtime resident of Bigasan Street in Palanan, Makati, Saguisag is best remembered as a dedicated public servant and his advocacy for justice remains significant to this day. He was one of 12 senators who voted against the extension of the US military bases treaty in 1991.
Sen. Robinhood Padilla also extended his "deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Ka Rene Saguisag," who he considered a mentor not only in law but in life.
"Ka Rene is not only smart, he was 'very smart.' If he wrote an opinion, you need to read it carefully and repeat it to make sure you understand his writing correctly. Thank you very much for the wisdom you shared with us. We will never forget you," he said.
Senate President Pro-Tempore Loren Legarda said "more than a lawmaker, Senator Rene served as a voice of the voiceless, fearlessly speaking up in a time when people were afraid to and defendin...
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The Philippine Star (Digital) - 1 Issue, April 25, 2024