Jovito Salonga, ex-senate president and opposition leader during the Marcos regime, died on Thursday, Mar 10. He was 95 years old.
In 2012, the lawyer-statesman was afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. He also suffered a stroke.
Through Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda, Malacañang expressed its sympathies to the family.
According to the statement released on the Official Gazette on Mar 10, “His passing marks the departure from this life of another of those brave, committed individuals who lit a candle during the deep darkness of the dictatorship; and who contributed to the restoration of our democratic way of life after the triumph of People Power.”
In the statement, Salonga’s achievements were recognized. “As an elder statesman he stood squarely on the side of good government, and did his part in Kilosbayan and the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation to ensure that the sins of the past would not be repeated in the future.”
It ended with a challenge to current politicians, especially the ones running in the upcoming elections. “His passing challenges all who would seek election to live up to a life well lived as a patriot and citizen.”
Salonga is survived by his 5 children.
