Senate adjourns early to mourn death of Butz Aquino

The Senate adjourned its session early Tuesday afternoon as it mourns the death of its former member, Agapito ‘Butz’ Aquino, who died Monday afternoon.

 

Before adjourning the session, Senate President Franklin Drilon told his colleagues that they will be holding a Mass at 2 p.m. Wednesday in memory of Aquino.

 

“We will take that opportunity to hand to the family of Sen. Butz Aquino the resolution that we just approved,” he said, referring to resolutions filed by him and Senators Nancy Binay and Lito Lapid.

 

The resolution intends to honor and remember the deceased lawmaker for his “invaluable contribution and unwavering diligence as a legislator.”

 

Drilon, in his resolution, said Aquino’s death is “truly a great loss not only to his own bereaved family, but also to the nation he had fully served with his own personal style, vision, and concrete action program towards a better life for the impoverished masses, always guided by the four principles of ‘Live Simply, Seek Justice, Be Humble, Love Always’.” 

 

“Butz Aquino left a legacy of being a statesman that fought for justice, freedom, equality, nationalism and democracy. He is an inspiration for many public servants and will be remembered in the hearts of many Filipino people,” Binay said.

 

On the other hand, Lapid's resolution said: “Former Senator Aquino played a very prominent role in the restoration of our democracy after his older brother, former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., was assassinated.” 

 

Butz Aquino, 76, served as a senator from 1987 to 1995. He was also the representative of the 2nd district of Makati from 1998 to 2007.

 

As a legislator, he was responsible for several landmark laws such as the Magna Carta for Small Farmers, Cooperative Code of the Philippines, and the Seed Industry Development Act of 1992, among others.

 

He also helped organize street marches and rallies to fight for people’s rights and democracy.

 

The Senate has been flying its flag at half-mast since Aquino passed away on Monday, August 17, as a symbol of mourning.

 

On Wednesday, Drilon will lead senators in waiting for Aquino’s ashes at the main entrance of the Senate building at 1:45 p.m. Senate personnel and Aquino’s friends and relatives are expected to attend the Mass. Butz Aquino's remains were cremated early Tuesday.

 

Aquino’s urn would be placed at the session hall where the Mass will be held. Drilon will deliver a eulogy for the former senator after the Mass. — RSJ, GMA News