PAST and current senators on Monday paid tribute to their former Senate colleague Rodolfo G. Biazon, the Marine Corps commandant who became Armed Forces chief of staff and later lawmaker.
Former Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III opened the train of eulogies for the former senator and congressman, who passed on June 12 at the age of 88.
“With all that Sen. Pong Biazon had accomplished in this earthly life, it is undeniable that 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 III said. “He is truly a dynamic, multifaceted individual, and a family man, an excellent soldier, an extraordinary legislator, freedom fighter, and defender of democracy,” he added. Sotto III and Biazon served together as senators during the 9th, 11th and 12th Congresses.
In his video message, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri cited Biazon’s “extraordinary life and legacy.”
“It is not quite enough to say that he wore many hats—as a marine, as a chief of the Armed Forces, as a congressman, as a senator. He didn’t just wear these hats, rather, he lived his entire life embodying the very essence of these roles and being a public servant par excellence,” Zubiri, who is on official mission in Washington, D.C, said.
Zubiri concluded: “That is how I will always remember him: An absolute patriot, on and off the battlefield.”
Former Sen. Gregorio Honasan II recalled how Biazon became a “fellow legislator’s nightmare” because of how he performed his duties, with his intellect and untiring dedication during plenary debates and interpellations. “We realized that 24/7 is not enough for [Biazon] to explain and share what was in his heart and mind as a soldier who perpetually dreams of peace, unity and the prosperity that we deserve,” said Honasan, who once was at odds with Biazon, the coup-busting general when Honasan was still a rebel soldier behind several coup attempts.
Senator Jinggoy Ejercito remembered Biazon as “intimidating, forceful, and inspiring.”
During the 1998 presidential campaign period, Estrada joined some sorties of the Laban ng Makabayang Masang Pilipino or LAMMP, the umbrella political coalition party of the opposition, “to help campaign for the presidency of my father, former President Joseph Estrada. Senator Biazon, then seeking a fresh term, landed sixth in the senatorial race.”
He recalled that Biazon “co-sponsored the Senate resolution concurring with the Visiting Forces Agreement [VFA] ratification in 1999, as then chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security. At that time, I was still serving as the Mayor of San Juan.”
Estrada recalled also of Biazon: “He believed in the power of unity and collaboration, forging alliances and crossing party lines to achieve meaningful progress for our nation.”
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva paid tribute to Biazon as “a courageous soldier, a family man, a mentor and a statesman.”
“Like a true mentor, he taught me the tricks of the trade, like how and when to invoke or not Section 20 of the Commission on Appointments [CA] Rules. The many landmark laws he authored made this country closer to the highest ideals of democracy. He modernized the AFP and raised the dignity of our soldiers,” Villanueva said, calling Biazon “a Filipino who lived a life without limits.”
Former Senate President Frank Drilon said Biazon will always be remembered as “someone who defied all odds and bravely faced all colossal challenges life has thrown at him,” adding that “Biazon’s patriotism, love for country, and dedication to public service will never fade and will be remembered and emulated by generations to come.”
For her part, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda thanked Biazon for sharing her similar advocacies—climate change, disaster risk reduction, and national security and defense. She cited Biazon’s keen interest in National Disaster Risk Reduction Management, as well as his support for the adoption of the Incheon Resolution in 2011, aimed at addressing the pressing concerns of escalating disaster and climate change effects on the nation.
Former Senator Joey Lina recalled Biazon as “an officer and gentleman warrior and a statesman.”
Although Biazon was older than Lina, the former military chief still found it necessary to seek counsel when he first entered politics and treated him as a senior politician. “He quickly realized the wisdom of having to shed off the strict demeanor he used to exhibit as a military man and give way to more expression of compassion, understanding, tenderness, and other pleasing traits of an exemplary public servant to be able to connect more effectively with the people,” Lina said.
Sen. Robinhood C. Padilla also shared his conversations with Biazon during his stint as an actor. He also cited the former general’s contributions in bringing peace to Mindanao.
Also attending the necrological service were Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Senators Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Risa Hontiveros, and Mark Villar; as well as former Senators Anna Dominique “Nikki” Coseteng, Richard Gordon, Ramon B. Magsaysay Jr., Orly Mercado, Francisco “Kit” Tatad and former Vice President Noli De Castro.
As a senator, Biazon was known for advocating low-cost housing and measures benefitting soldiers.
He authored the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, Rental Reform Act of 2002, Comprehensive and Integrated Shelter Finance Act, the An Act Providing for the Modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Mandatory Pag-ibig Membership Act, among other notable laws.
A Senate resolution was presented to Biazon’s family to honor the former statesman’s life and service to the country.
“The family has nothing but the most sincere appreciation for the senators who have given their testimony in this august chamber, in praise of a man who dedicated his productive years to serving the Filipino people,” Muntinlupa Mayor Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon, Biazon’s son, said.
Image credits: Roy Domingo