Marcos pays tribute to late senator Rasul

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos paid tribute to the late senator Santanina Rasul, calling her a “trailblazer for equality and empowerment” whose “transformative” contributions have benefitted Filipinos, especially those who belong to underrepresented sectors.

In a statement addressed to Rasul’s family on Monday, Marcos expressed “profound” sadness on the passing of the late senator, calling it a loss deeply felt not only by her family but by the entire Filipino nation.

He described the late senator as “a woman of wisdom, grace and unshakable integrity” and lauded her for a “legacy that goes beyond her legislative accomplishments.”

“As the first and only Muslim woman senator to serve the Philippines, senator Rasul broke barriers through her legislative endeavors and became a trailblazer for equality and empowerment,” the President said.

“Her contributions were not just historic—they were transformative. She championed the rights of marginalized communities, opened doors for women in the military and inspired countless Filipinos, especially those from underrepresented sectors, to believe in their potential,” he further stated.

Marcos also highlighted Rasul’s impact not only within the halls of government, but in the lives of the people she so selflessly served.

“In this moment of sorrow, I hope you can find solace in knowing that her extraordinary life and legacy will forever be etched in our nation’s history and in the hearts of those she touched,” the Chief Executive said.

“She leaves behind a powerful reminder of the change one person can bring through courage, compassion and conviction. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.”

Presidential adviser on peace, unity and reconciliation Carlito Galvez Jr. yesterday also extended his “deepest condolences” to the family and loved ones of Rasul, whom he described as an “outstanding public servant and champion of women’s rights.”
Galvez highlighted Rasul’s achievements in the Senate as she co-authored laws promoting and protecting women’s rights, Muslim affairs, family and gender equality.

“Thanks to her landmark piece of legislation – Republic Act 7192 or the Women in Development and Nation-Building Act – policies were established to ensure Filipino women’s fundamental equality before the law and their equal rights and opportunities to men,” he noted.

Galvez added that Rasul was the founding chair of the Magbassa Kita Foundation Inc. (MKFI), an organization dedicated to the promotion of literacy, peace and development and women empowerment.

“As a peace advocate and peacemaker, she was one of the conveners of the Friends of Peace Council,” he maintained.

Through the MKFI, Galvez said Rasul led initiatives to improve literacy in her hometown of Sulu and the rest of Muslim Mindanao by spearheading the Literacy for Peace and Development Program.

The MKFI also launched regional training workshops to equip Muslim women from conflict-affected communities with tools in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peace building.

Rasul passed away last Nov. 28 at the age of 94. — Sheila Crisostomo