Senators mourn passing of ex-lawmaker Eddie Ilarde

Several senators on Wednesday extended their sincere condolences to the loved ones of radio anchor and former senator Edgar "Eddie" Ilarde, who passed away on August 4.

Ilarde, an icon of Philippine broadcasting, died in his home on Tuesday at the age of 85.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said he joins the nation in mourning for the loss of its "one and only Kuya Eddie."

"He was not just a host, he defined our idea of one—articulate, incisive, but never self-serious, his voice earned the nation’s trust and confidence," Zubiri said in a statement.

"His effortless ability to connect with audiences made him a fixture in millions of Filipino homes, which were regularly tuned in to his numerous radio and television programs," he added.

Zubiri said Ilarde's ability to connect to the people brought him success when he entered public service.

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan also remembered Ilarde's iconic radio programs which eventually inspired the song "Napakasakit Kuya Eddie."

"Bukod sa pagiging Liberal at isa sa mga survivor ng Plaza Miranda bombing, nakilala ng sambayanan si Eddie Ilarde dahil sa pagiging isang batikang radio at TV personality," he said.

Pangilinan thanked Ilarde for the friendship and heartfelt stories that he shared with the Filipino people.

Senator Lito Lapid also said he lost a dear friend with the passing of Ilarde.

"Malungkot isipin na hindi na umabot sa kanyang ika-walumpu’t-anim na kaarawan si Eddie na ilang linggo na lang sana mula ngayon," he said in a separate statement.

Ilarde, who would have turned 86 on August 25, died of natural causes and not of COVID-19, according to his daughter Liza.

Prior to being a senator in the early '70s, Ilarde also served as Pasay City councilor and Rizal first district representative in the '60s.

"Maraming salamat sa iyong serbisyo sa bayan at pagkakaibigan, Eddie. Nawa’y marami ring maantig na puso sa langit gamit ang iyong mala-anghel na boses. Paalam, kaibigan," Lapid said. — BM, GMA News