Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Former and incumbent senators, congressmen and government officials on Tuesday (March 15) paid tribute to the late Senate President Jovito Salonga.
Salonga served in the upper chamber of Congress from 1965 to 1972 during the time of former President Ferdinand Marcos. He was Senate President from 1987 to 1991 under the term of former President Corazon Aquino.
Salonga, 95, died on March 10.
Also read: Former Senate President Jovito Salonga dies
Former Sen. Rene Saguisag was first to deliver a eulogy, followed by former lawmakers Leticia Ramos-Shahani and Wigberto Tañada.
“After his retirement from public life, Sen. Salonga continued his public service to the Filipino people, concentrating on issues which defined his personal life,” Ramos-Shahani shared.
Senate President Franklin Drilon described Salonga as a mentor, saying he is “fortunate to have met him and have shared his friendship.”
“15 years ago, Ka Jovi recruited and inducted me into the Liberal Party. We belong in the same institution and political party. He’s kneed a great one. Sen. Jovito Salonga belonged to a rare breed of mankind — a politician and a leader with principles,” Drilon said.
Also read: Tributes pour in for former Sen. Jovito Salonga
A Senate resolution honoring Salonga was also presented to his family.
Salonga’s colleagues recalled his courage fighting for democracy during martial law, recalling how the opposition leader almost died in the 1971 Plaza Miranda bombing.
Salonga was also honored as a patriot when he voted against the presence of American bases in the country in 1991.
In behalf of the family, his son Esteban Salonga, thanked his father’s colleagues for their messages.
Another necrological service will be held for Salonga late Tuesday at the Social Security System office, where President Benigno Aquino III is expected to pay his last respects to the Liberal Party chairman emeritus.
CNN Philippines correspondent Rex Remitio contributed to this report.
