Malacañang on Sunday expressed its condolences to the family of the late Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr., saying the departed lawmaker would forever be part of the country’s history as an icon who championed democracy.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Malacanang was one with the country in mourning the death of the late Senate President.
“Today is a sad day for the nation. The Palace joins the Filipino people in mourning the demise of former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and expressing condolences to his family, loved ones, colleagues, and friends,” he said.
“Our people thank former Sen. Pimentel for his long, fearless, and principled track record of public service. He would forever be etched in our history as a giant among his peers who championed democracy and electoral reform and a visionary who espoused devolution of powers and strong local governance,” he added.
“As we pay tribute and honor to this respected and courageous statesman, we fervently pray for the Almighty to grant Sen. Nene eternal repose. May the perpetual light shine upon him,” he said.
Panelo said the Duterte administration is grateful for Pimentel for taking on the task to review the 1987 Constitution.
“The Duterte administration is grateful for the elder Pimentel for joining the current government in his capacity as one of the members of the Consultative Committee tasked by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to review the 1987 Constitution and draft a new Charter that would pave the way for a federal form of government,” he said.
“As the acknowledged Father of the Local Government Code, former Senator Pimentel gave his wisdom and lent his voice to the need to empower local governments,” he added.
Panelo said he is unsure when President Duterte would visit Pimentel’s wake but said the President would certainly make time. (Argyll Geducos)
