SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez led the House of Representatives in paying last tribute and giving the final salute to former Senator Rodolfo “Pong” Biazon, who passed away on Independence Day.

Romualdez described Biazon as a model citizen, brave man with a kind soul and a responsible leader.

“A brave soul has been summoned back to God’s army on a day that we Filipinos associate with bravery. That is a fitting tribute to Pong Biazon by the Almighty, telling us to emulate the great Filipino that he was,” Romualdez said.

“We send our deepest condolences and prayers to the Biazon family, especially to his widow Monserrat, and son Ruffy, who is also a former House colleague.

“We salute Pong Biazon for his inspiring and selfless service to the nation,”the Speaker added.

According to the House leader, Biazon was a model citizen. He lost his father at seven years old and was forced to work to provide for himself and his siblings at such a young age.

“Poverty did not faze him; with sheer determination, he put himself through school to gain the education that he needed to be somebody. In the end, he became somebody that would look up to,” the Speaker said.

A Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1961 graduate, Biazon climbed the ranks of the AFP to become its 21st chief-of-staff three decades later.

He was a decorated military man, collecting honors such as the Distinguished Service Star, Gold Cross Medal, Outstanding Achievement Medal, Bronze Cross Medal, Military Merit Medals with one spearhead device and four bronze anahaws, Military Commendation Medals, Long Service Medal, Anti-dissidence Campaign Medal, Luzon Anti Dissidence Campaign Medal, Visayas Anti-Dissidence Campaign Medal, Mindanao Anti-dissidence Campaign Medal,Jolo and Sulu Campaign Medal, Disaster Relief & Rehabilitation Operation Ribbon, Combat Commander’s Badge, and AFP Parachutist Badge.

Romualdez also hailed Biazon for his long body of work as a legislator. Biazon was a House member from 2010 to 2016; before that he served as a senator from 1992 to 1995; and from 1998 to 2010.

Biazon’s filed measures that became laws include Republic Act (RA) No. 9208, Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act; RA No. 9161, reforming the renting industry; RA No. 7835, Comprehensive and Integrated Shelter Finance Act; RA No. 7898, An Act providing for the Modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; RA No. 7742, changing the mandatory membership to the Pag-Ibig Fund; RA No. 7901, creation of the region of Caraga (Region XIII); RA No. 7889, establishing the University of the Philippines Mindanao; RA No. 7863, the Home Guaranty Corporation Law; and RA No. 7691, Expanding the Jurisdiction of MTC’s, MCTC and METC.

Also pursued by Biazon were Joint Resolution No. 7, increasing the subsistence allowance of soldiers and policemen; RA No. 8763, amending the Home Guarantee Corporation Act; RA No. 9040, tax exemption of allowances and benefits for members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; RA No. 9049, granting monthly gratuity and privileges to awarded of the Medal of Valor; and RA No. 10354, or the Reproductive Health Act.

“Saludo kami sayo General. You’re one of a kind,” the Speaker said.

SENATORS MOURN DEATH OF BIAZON

“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 yesterday.

Biazon, a former Philippine Marine Corps General was the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of thePhilippine 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, a son of the former senator, his 88-years-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 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.

Senator 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.

“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.

“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 added.

Senator Jose Jinggoy Estrada, who also expressed his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Biazon, said the former senator is a great loss for the nation.

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.

Senator Grace Poe described Biazon as a man of integrity and dedication.

“We lost an exemplary 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. By Jester Manalastas and Camille P. Balagtas