Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 12) — Former Senator and Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Rodolfo Biazon has died after a battle with pneumonia. He was 88.
Biazon died on Monday, according to his son Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon“It is perfectly fitting that today, Independence Day, at around 8:30am, the soldier who dedicated his life and laid it on the line in defending freedom and democracy, has been set free from the pains of this world,” he said.Biazon, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in July 2022, suffered pneumonia this year that led to the further weakening of his lungs, his son shared.“The family is grateful that we were able to spend his last moments with us intimately and peacefully,” the mayor added.In an earlier post on Sunday, the younger Biazon said the former lawmaker was confined at a hospital for serious pneumonia.
He said his family would announce the details of the wake.
Tributes pour in for Biazon
Tributes were sent by former colleagues to the veteran lawmaker, with one senator saying this was a “bittersweet Independence Day.”
“I am grateful for the time that we spent in the Senate together, and I am glad we had one last chance to reconnect with him last October, when he attended the Senate reunion. He was as bright and astute as ever, and a fountain of guidance and wisdom for those of us currently in the Senate,” Senate President Miguel Zubiri said.
Sen. Bong Revilla also extended his condolences to Biazon’s family, stressing that the latter was “the embodiment of a true officer and gentleman who devoted his entire life to serving the Philippines and the Filipino people.”Former Sen. Franklin Drilon said: “A patriot has fallen. In his lifetime, Sen Pong Biazon always stood, and fought, for what is right for our country. He fought a good fight.”Sen. Risa Hontiveros noted that Biazon had always shared his opinions with the previous administration regarding China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
