Senate gives ‘snappy salute’ to Rodolfo Biazon
Ex-solon, AFP chief dies at 88
BITTER Sweet Independence Day!
This was the reaction of Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri after it was confirmed that former Senator Rodolfo “Pong” Biazon died on June 12, 2023.
Biazon, a former Philippine Marine Corps General, was also the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in early 1991 and then served as a senator from 1992 to 2010.
Zubiri described Biazon “as one of our staunchest defenders of the peace and democracy that we are enjoying today.”
According to Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon who is the son of the former senator, his 88-year-old father died of serious pneumonia. He was intubated from May 22 until June 3.
“It was a gift to have been a novice senator during a time when Sen. Biazon was still in office. I had the great fortune of learning from him and being inspired by his uncompromising public service – not just as a veteran legislator but also as a veteran military man, having been the Chief of Staff of the AFP. He brought that same military discipline and commitment to his work in the Senate and to every aspect of his life as a public servant, I am grateful for the time that we spent in the Senate together when he attended the Senate reunion,” Zubiri said as he expressed his sympathy to the family of late Sen. Biazon.
“May they be comforted by the fact that the whole nation will remember Sen. Biazon as a great man of service who dedicated his entire life and career to our people,” Zubiri added.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the “whole nation is mourning” for the passing of a great soldier, statesman and solon.
“Together with the nation, I mourn the passing of a great soldier, statesman, and solon, Senator Pong Biazon. He passed on this Independence Day, a reminder of his formidable, lifelong fight for our Inang Bayan. Indeed, much can be said about all that he has done for the Filipino people, from his time as a Philippine Marine to his years in Congress, but what remained true all throughout was his unwavering love for the Philippines,” Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros also described Biazon as a “true patriot” who clearly expressed his strong stand for the love of his country.
“A true patriot, Sen. Pong always answered the call of duty even when he was no longer in office. When the former administration could not express a clear stance vis-a-vis China’s incursions in the West Philippine Sea, Sen. Pong did not hold back from calling on our top officials to take a united position against China,” she said.
“Time and again, when he saw that our nation was in peril, he stepped out from his private life and gave us public servants clarity and a sense of direction,” Hontiveros was quoted as saying.
Sen. Jose Jinggoy Estrada also expressed his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Biazon and said the former senator is “a great loss for the whole nation.”
I had the privilege of working alongside Sen. Pong Biazon during the 13th and 14th Congress while my mother, former First Lady and Sen. Luisa ‘Loi’ Ejercito Estrada were his contemporary in the 12th and 13th Congress. We witnessed firsthand his unparalleled passion for public service and unwavering advocacy for low-cost housing and increased benefits for our soldiers. His wisdom, experience, and exemplary work ethic were always evident, making him an invaluable asset to our institution and a true inspiration to us all,” Estrada said.
Estrada said the legacy of the former senator “will forever be remembered.”
“And his contributions to our nation will continue to shape our future for generations to come. As we mourn the loss of a great leader and statesman, let us also celebrate his remarkable life and the countless lives he touched,” Estrada said.
Sen. Grace Poe described Biazon as a “man of integrity and dedication.”
“We lost an exemplar soldier and solon. That was the Sen. Pong I knew – never afraid to stand up and speak out for what is right even when others wouldn’t. Paalam, Sir. Maraming salamat sa walang hanggang pagmamahal sa Pilipinas. His valuable work in fortifying the military institution and in lawmaking will not be forgotten,” Poe said.
