The City Government of Zamboanga, led by Mayor Khymer Olaso, together with members of the Lim family, marked the 111th birth anniversary of the late Senator Roseller T. Lim with a wreath-laying ceremony and commemorative program on February 9, 2026, at the R.T. Lim Monument along Normal Road, Baliwasan.
Senator Roseller T. Lim, born on February 9, 1915, was the first and only Zamboangueño elected to the Philippine Senate. He served in the House of Representatives and the Senate from 1949 to 1963, and later as Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals from 1973 until his death on July 5, 1976. He was widely known as the “Great Filibuster” for his more than 18-hour filibuster opposing the election of Ferdinand Marcos as Senate President.
In his message, Mayor Olaso described Senator Lim as a symbol of principle, leadership, and public service, emphasizing that his legacy proves that greatness is measured not by power or position, but by one’s commitment to justice, freedom, and service to the people.
Lim’s granddaughter, Loribel Lim Fuentebella, expressed pride in her grandfather’s enduring legacy, saying his life of service continues to inspire and humble their family.
Also present during the program were Vice Mayor Beng Climaco, Councilors Vlad Jimenez, BG Guingona, and Bong Atilano, representatives of Congresswoman Kat Chua, former Councilor and Barangay Affairs Division Chief Rudy Lim, and representatives from the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, Zamboanga City Police Office, BJMP, academic institutions, JCI Zamboanga, city government employees, members of the Lim family, and La Liga Historia Zamboangueña from Ateneo de Zamboanga University and Saint Joseph School Foundation, Inc. (Sheyn Arambala)