Sumakabilang buhay ang dating senador at human rights advocate na si Rene Saguisag ngayong Miyerkules, April 24, 2024.
Siya ay 84.
Ang malungkot na balita sa kanyang pagpanaw ay kinumpirma ng kanyang anak, ang University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) executive director and lawyer na si Rebo Saguisag, sa pamamagitan ng Facebook post.
Hindi isinapubliko ni Rebo ang dahilan ng pagpanaw ng ama, ngunit sa kanyang post ay binalikan niya ang legasiyang naiwan ni Rene nang magsilbi ito sa bayan ng ilang dekada.
Mababasa sa pahayag ng pamilyang naulila ng dating senador (published as is): "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Papa and Lolo.
"As we mourn his loss, we take solace in the enduring impact of his legacy.
Rene Saguisag was a dedicated public servant, and his tireless endeavors as a human rights advocate, senator, and writer stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice, truth, and democracy.
"For him, expertise in law was a means to serve the poor and disenfranchised, and he provided free legal aid to those in need.
"We are grateful that, in his final months, he was able to spend time with relatives, friends, and countless supporters. He passed away knowing that he was much loved and respected."
Kalakip nito ang hiling nila sa publiko na bigyan sila ng sapat na panahon para makapagluksa.
Saad nila, "We request that our family be granted a few moments of privacy as we grieve.
"We will soon announce details of the service honoring his life, and we look forward to the opportunity to gather and pay tribute to a life lived with integrity and purpose.
"Papa/Lolo has passed on, but his spirit will continue to inspire us to strive for a more just world."
RENE SAGUISAG'S LEGACY
Si Rene ay naglingkod bilang senador noong 1987 hanggang 1992.
Kasabay nito ang pagkakatalaga niya bilang chairman ng Senate Committee on Ethics and Privilege and the Ad Hoc Committee sa Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.
Naging presidential spokesperson din siya ni former President Cory Aquino noong 1986.
Kilala ring human rights advocate si Rene nang mapabilang siya sa Movement of Attorneys from Brotherhood, Integrity and Nationalism (MABINI) na nagbibigay ng free legal aid sa mga Pilipinong biktima ng human rights.
Bago maging public servant naging checker, laborer, construction site guard at messenger mula 1959 hanggang 1962.
Senators mourn passing of rene SAGUISAG
Ang biglaang pagpanaw ni Rene ay ikinagulat at ikinalungkot ng mga naging kasamahan niya sa Senado.
Kabilang sa maagang nagpaabot ng pakikiramay sa naulila niyang pamilya ay sina Senators Chiz Escudero, Grace Poe, Robinhood "Robin" Padilla, at Nancy Binay.
"My sincere condolences and prayers to the family and loved ones of former Senator Rene V. Saguisag. He was a patriot, a nationalist, and an honest public servant," post sa Facebook ni Senator Chiz.
Saad naman ni Senator Poe: "We condole with the nation for the loss of a staunch advocate for good governance and justice.
"A legal luminary, he has devoted his time and brilliance to many, especially the disavantaged in society.
"In our citizenship battle with the courts, Sen. Rene had stood with us, unconditionally lending his wit and wisdom, and for this, we will forever hold him dear.
"Our deepest sympathies to his bereaved family and may his soul rest in peace."
Magaling, matalinong abogado at public servant ang tingin naman ni Senator Padilla sa mentor niyang si Rene.
Aniya: "Ipinaabot ko ang aking lubos na pakikidalamhati sa pamilya at mahal sa buhay ni Ka Rene Saguisag
"Lingid sa kaalaman ng lahat, si Ka Rene po ay aking naging malapit na kaibigan, at itinuturing kong guro o mentor nang siya ay maging abogado ko noong araw - hindi lang sa usapin tungkol sa batas kundi sa mga bagay sa ating buhay.
"Hindi lamang po matalino, napakatalino po ni Ka Rene. Pag siya ang nagsulat ng isang opinyon, kailangan mong basahin nang mabuti at ulit-ulitin upang masigurong tama ang iyong pagkaunawa sa kanyang akda
"Maraming salamat, Ka Rene, sa karunungang iyong ibinahagi sa ating sambayanan
Hindi ka namin malilimutan."
Mensahe naman ni Senator Binay, "Our heartfelt condolences to the family of former Senator Rene Saguisag.
"May you rest in peace, Tito Rene. Finally you are dancing together again with Aunt Dulce."