PH mourns death of ‘great Filipino’ Jovy Salonga

MANILA, Philippines – The country on Thursday, March 10, mourned the death of former Senate president Jovito Salonga who has left a legacy that would continue to inspire future generations of Filipinos.

Malacañang said the elder statesman’s death “challenges all who would seek election to live up to a life well lived as a patriot and citizen.” (READ: The life, love and struggles of Jovy Salonga)

“With heads bowed in grief and respect, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Senator Jovito Salonga. 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,” said Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda.

He  said Salonga “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.” (READ: FAST FACTS: Jovito Salonga)


”His life stands as a reproach to all those who would put personal gain ahead of public service; who would lower the standards of public discourse; and who would sacrifice human rights and the rule of law either for personal or partisan advantage. He joins the ranks of those who have made the position of senator of the Republic an honorable, and respectable, thing,” Lacierda said.

‘Bastion of PH democracy

In a statement, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr, a close family friend of Salonga who considered the latter as a ninong (godfather), said:

Jovy can be considered a bastion of Philippine democracy who has served this nation and staunchly fought for our freedoms in various arenas and in various capacities.

Jovy was many things. He was a World War II hero incarcerated and tortured by the Japanese; a noted constitutionalist who topped the bar in 1944, received a law scholarship and doctorate in the US and yet returned to the country to participate in the country’s recovery after the war.

Throughout his life – as lawyer, congressman, senator, and Cabinet secretary – as well as through his brave battle against Marcos during the martial law years, Salonga remained focused on his goal to attain and safeguard democracy in the Philippines.

We condole with his family and feel the loss not only of one of the founding fathers of the Liberal Party but of this nation. We owe a debt of gratitude to Jovy for dedicating his talents, bravery and his life’s work to the Filipino people. He is a tough act to follow and a source of pride for us.

Paalam muna (Goodbye for now), Uncle Jovy, at tauspusong pasasalamat sa lahat (and our heartfelt thanks for everything).

Gold standard for public service

Senate President Franklin Drilon, who Salonga recruited to the Liberal Party 15 years ago, recalled how the elder statesman inspired others with his “brand of principled leadership and undying love for the motherland.” (READ: The life, love and struggles of Jovito Salonga)

“He set the standard for public service by leading a life of honor and integrity. His service to the Filipino masses remains the golden example to which we present and even future generations of lawmakers and leaders must strive to emulate,” Drilon said.

“Politicians come and go. But only few leave deep footprints on the sands of time like Senator Jovito R. Salonga,” he added.

In a statement, the Supreme Court called Salonga “an intellectual mentor and role model to many generations of lawyers through his courage and integrity.”

“The Court recognizes his contribution to the shaping of modern jurisprudence in basic human rights and fundamental civil liberties especially during martial law and after the restoration of democracy….His death is a great loss to the legal profession and to the country,” the SC said.

Former interior secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II mourned the passing of a “great Filipino.”

“Ka Jovy was more than a man fortunate to have been raised to the Senate Presidency and elected to the Senate by the Filipino people – he was, himself, an exemplar of what it means to be a Filipino. A lover of freedom; of the law; of human rights and integrity in public service – he was all these things and a mentor to many, including myself,” he said.

“His passing should inspire all who love our country, never to sacrifice independence of thought, or personal integrity. He sought to serve, not to dictate on others; he sought to be a thinker, and an advocate of the public good, rather than a demagogue or an opportunist,” Roxas added.

Former senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said, “During the dark days of martial law, he was among the leading lights that helped guide us in the student movement.”

Senator Grace Poe said that Salonga “lived through the most tumultuous years in the nation’s history, yet he remained enduring and inspiring positive change.”

“Let us relive in our deeds his ultimate legacy:  the power of freedom,” Poe said. – Rappler.com