(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — Former president Joseph Estrada remembers Former Senator Rodolfo “Pong” Biazon as someone who left behind a mark in history.
Biazon had been a senator during Estrada’s term.
The former president said he had the privilege of working together with Biazon.
Estrada sees his former colleague’s departure as “a profound loss, not only to his loved ones but also to our nation.”
“Throughout our years of collaboration, I witnessed his unwavering determination to create positive change and his ability to bridge gaps for the greater good of our nation,” said Estrada.
“I fondly remember Senator Pong as a man of integrity, intelligence, and deep compassion,” he recalled.
Estrada made these remarks in a statement shared by his son, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, on Twitter.
The former president said Biazon possessed great wisdom and concern for the welfare of Filipinos.
“His contributions to our country, particularly in the realm of legislation and national security, were invaluable and (these) continue to shape the path of our nation,” the former chief executive said.
“Senator Biazon’s leadership and statesmanship have left an indelible mark in our nation’s history and will be remembered for generations to come,” noted the elder Estrada.
Senator ‘Pong’ Biazon died on Monday, Independence Day, at 88.
He had been previously confined in the hospital due to pneumonia.
He is survived by his wife, Monchie Biazon, and his children, Rita Biazon, Rino Biazon, and Muntinlupa city mayor Ruffy Biazon.