Senators pay tribute to Biazon

MANILA, Philippines — Incumbent and former senators paid their last respects yesterday to former senator Rodolfo Biazon who died on June 12 at the age of 88.

A necrological service was held for Biazon, with former Senate presidents Franklin Drilon and Vicente Sotto III in attendance.

Senators Joel Villanueva, Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano had filed a resolution honoring Biazon.

Biazon’s remains were brought to the Senate and Philippine Marines headquarters yesterday.

“He is an inspirational man and his unwavering determination is unmatched. He had achieved greatness despite the obstacles that he faced throughout his life,” Sotto said.

Sotto and Biazon served as senator during the 9th, 11th and 12th Congresses.

Former senator Gregorio Honasan honored the legacy of Biazon, his fellow soldier and legislator.

Honasan remembered how Biazon became a fellow legislator’s “nightmare because of how he performed his duties and how he showed off his intellect as well as untiring dedication during plenary debates and interpellations.”

Villanueva described Biazon as a courageous soldier, a family man, a mentor and a statesman.

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda expressed her gratitude to Biazon for supporting advocacies in climate change, disaster risk reduction as well as national security and defense.

Funeral honors

For the last time, the military will salute Biazon today at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) had announced that Biazon would be given funeral honors before he is laid to rest at Fort Bonifacio.

Biazon was the first member of the Philippine Marine Corps to become chief of the AFP.

Philippine flags at military camps all over the country were flown at half-mast after he died of lung cancer on June 12. — Michael Punongbayan