At the necrological services for Gonzales at the Senate session hall, a somber Mrs. Arroyo said that while she and others who knew him personally grieved over his death, "the greatest loss belongs to the Filipino people to whose service this friend devoted the best years of his life."
The President described the late senator as a "successful politician, legal scholar, upright citizen and godly man" who left an indelible mark in Philippine history by making landmark laws.
She said she remembers him best as a "caring mentor, the role model" that neophyte lawmakers in the Ninth Congress like herself always relied on for guidance and leadership.
"I benefited from the guidance that he and his office made available to the newcomers. He always found the opportunity to guide us through the labyrinth of legislative and political work. And I was lucky to see facets of his brilliant mind in the way he articulated his rulings and clarified issues both during our plenary sessions and our caucuses," the President added.
When she was senator, Mrs. Arroyo belonged to the five-member bloc headed by then Senate President Edgardo Angara who was ousted in 1995 by the group led by Gonzales. She later joined the Gonzales bloc.
Senate President Franklin Drilon said the Filipino people would be forever grateful to Gonzales’ uncompromising stand during the dark days of martial law and for his many contributions to the rebuilding of the democratic tradition.
"His unblemished record has done not only his family but his country proud. Although he was never boastful of his success, his sterling performance in the Senate will always be a source of inspiration for every man and woman who serves this institution," Drilon said.
Gonzales served as Secretary of Justice during the Aquino administration from February to March 1987.
Sen. Blas Ople said that aside from authoring many laws, Gonzales also personified the virtues of humanity and kindness.
"He is one of the greatest senators that ever lived. He never allowed political considerations to obscure the public interest, which he championed against all odds," Ople said.
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr., meanwhile, described Gonzales as a simple, sincere, genuine and upright man.
"It was not his oratorical, legislative or legal skills that primarily drew more people to Tali. It was, rather the simplicity of his life, his approachability by the common man and his genuine concern for them that made him a revered icon of service to the people who knew him, especially his constituents," Pimentel said.
He added that while he admired Gonzales’ simple lifestyle, it was the latter’s commitment to the civil liberties of the people that won him over to become a lifelong admirer. – With Marichu Villanueva, Delon Porcalla