Pumanaw na ang dating senador at kilalang human rights advocate na si Rene Saguisag, ayon sa kaniyang pamilya.
"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Papa and Lolo," saad sa inilabas na pahayag ng pamilya na naka-post sa Facebook Atty. Rebo Saguisag, anak ng dating senador.
Humingi sa ngayon ng privacy ang pamilya para sa kanilang pagluluksa.
"We will soon announce details of the service honoring his life, and we look forward to the opportunity to gather and pay tribute to a life lived with integrity and purpose," ayon pa sa pahayag.
"Papa/Lolo has passed on, but his spirit will continue to inspire us to strive for a more just world," patuloy nito.
Ayon sa tala ng Senado, naging senador si Saguisag noong 1987 hanggang 1992.
Naging pinuno siya ng Senate Committee on Ethics and Privilege at Ad Coc Committee on the Bataan Nuclear power plant.
Mula 1972 hanggang 1986, naging human rights lawyer si Saguisag.
Noong January 1986, naging tagapagsalita si Saguisag ng noo'y kandidato pa lang sa pagkapangulo na si dating pangulong Cory Aquino.
“Rene Saguisag was a dedicated public servant, and his tireless endeavors as a human rights advocate, senator, and writer stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice, truth, and democracy,” ayon sa pahayag ng pamilya.
Nagluluksa rin ang mga senador sa pagpanaw ni Saguisag na inilarawan na, "a man with honor and a staunch advocate for good governance."
"I join the country in mourning the passing of Senator Rene Saguisag, a man of true honor, dignity, and integrity.. He also emulated and lived out the principle that those who have less in life should have more in law by giving free legal services to the poor and needy," ayon sa pahayag ni Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.
Sinabi naman ni Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda na nagsilbi si Saguisag na, "voice of the voiceless, fearlessly speaking up in a time when people were afraid to and defending them with all his might at risk of his own life."
"In his lone Senate term, he made sure that there would be accountability of public officials and civil servants, and was one of those who vehemently opposed the stay of the US military bases in the country," ani Legarda.
Kinilala naman ni Senador Grace Poe si Saguisag na "staunch advocate for good governance and justice" who "devoted his time and brilliance to many, especially the disadvantaged in society."
"In our citizenship battle with the courts, Sen. Rene had stood with us, unconditionally lending his wit and wisdom, and for this, we will forever hold him dear," ani Poe.
Meanwhile, Senator Francis Escudero described Saguisag as a "patriot, nationalist and an honest public servant."
Naka-half-staff ang watawat ng bansa sa harapan ng gusali ng Senado sa Pasay City bilang pagdadalamhati sa pagpanaw ni Saguisag. —FRJ, GMA Integrated News
