Senate turns 100, remembers great members

MANILA, Philippines - As the Senate celebrates its centennial, Senate President Franklin Drilon cited the role its great members have played through the decades in protecting the country’s democracy.

Drilon also paid tribute to former senator Joker Arroyo, who recently passed away after an heart surgery in the United States.

“Indeed, the Senate has come a long way. From being part of the bicameral Philippine legislature under the Jones Law, this democratic institution has produced groundbreaking pieces of legislation that oil the wheels of government, strengthen the fabric of society and promote the welfare of our people and nation,” Drilon said in a speech yesterday after the flag ceremony.

Drilon also led Senate officials in the unveiling of a marker for Proclamation 1091, signed by President Aquino last August, recognizing the Senate’s glorious history. It cited the chamber’s defense and promotion of democratic values, as well as its immense contribution to the nation’s economic development, social justice and political maturity.

“This great institution is not a stranger to spirit-breaking challenges. There were periods in our nation’s history when arrows of controversy were shot at the Senate’s ramparts. But never for a second did these vicious attacks diminish the institution’s zeal to serve our country and people,” he said.

“Instead, it became even stronger in its resolve to give the best service possible to the nation and the Filipino people,” he added.

Drilon said the Senate has produced lawmakers who have held the “nation in awe because of their intellectual brilliance and boundless love for the motherland.”

Filipinos, he said, have not forgotten the wit, eloquence, intellect and nationalism of Claro M. Recto, Jovito Salonga and Lorenzo Tañada, among others.

He also called the Senate a cradle of national leaders, having nurtured in its bosom 10 of the 15 Philippine presidents – a record unsurpassed by any other institution.

Paying tribute to Arroyo, Drilon said the late senator “dazzled the nation not only with his brilliance but also with his high sense of duty and strong commitment to defend the underprivileged.”

“Today, we also celebrate the life and work of a former member of the Senate – Senator Joker Arroyo – who sadly left us last week,” he said, adding that it was a great honor to have worked with Arroyo, first in the executive department under the administration of President Cory Aquino, and later in the Senate.