The four honor guards who stood at attention alongside President Corazon Aquino’s coffin on the truck throughout the eight-hour funeral procession last Wednesday which was witnessed by millions on television, deserves the commendation of Congress, a senator said Thursday.

Sen. Pilar Juliana “Pia” Cayetano said the Senate should commend the honor guards who stood by the late Mrs. Aquino’s casket while the country witnessed the final journey of the democratic icon from the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros to the Manila Memorial Park in Paranaque City despite the inclement weather.

The honor guards who are being considered for commendation are PO1 Danilo Maalab (representing the Philippine National Police), Private First Class Antonio Cadiente (Army), Airman Second Class Gener Laguindan (Air Force) and Petty Officer III Edgardo Rodriguez (Navy).

“They quietly did their job. It may seem a simple job. But I challenge anyone to try to stand for eight hours. It’s harder than walking, it’s harder than running. Standing in one position for eight hours is a very tough job,” Cayetano said.

“And I think one of the messages of President Cory (Aquino) was to commend the people for the little jobs that they do, and this was a little job with a major impact,” Cayetano said.

She said she would file a resolution commending the honor guards whom she said served as role models for all Filipinos because “they did their job without need of attention, did not speak, and did not call attention to themselves” while doing their duty.

“I think they are role models. Take pride in whatever job you have, whether you’re a desk clerk, or a president of a company. Take pride in what you do and do it well and did their job well,” she said.

The policeman in Cory’s honor guard said the cheers from the crowd and prayers were the source of strength and stamina during the long funeral convoy.

“I didn’t mind standing on a moving truck for several hours, all that I was thinking then was that I represent the Philippine National Police. And it is an honor for me as a policeman to serve former President Aquino,” said Maalab in an interview.

Malab said he was only informed that he will act as an honor guard when he reported for duty at 5 a.m. on Wednesday, or six hours before the scheduled funeral procession.

When asked on where he got the strength to endure the job with just a meal of egg, beef and rice before the slow procession, Maalab said, “Prayers, I kept on praying that time for God to give me the stamina.”

Asked where he proceeded immediately after he stepped out of the truck, Malab said: “Dumiretso ako sa CR.”

Senior Superintendent Leonardo Espina, PNP spokesman, said that Malab will receive a special commendation and award from Director General Jesus Verzosa, PNP chief, for bringing honor the national police organization.

AFP spokesman, Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said the three soldiers in the honor guard will also get medals and commendations.

“We are very proud of our three soldiers who stood guards dun sa flat bed at nagtagal ng ganung number of hours dahil sila, they represent the best in soldiery. Pinakita po nila yung the best virtues ng isang sundalo, disiplinado at may determination by simply standing still,” said Brawner.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said the Senate will invite the Aquino children, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, Kris Aquino, Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz, Pinky Aquino-Abellada and Viel Aquino-Dee, to the plenary session next week.

Zubiri said this is to offer to the Aquino children the approved joint resolution bestowing the “Highest Congressional Honor” to the former president for her “democratic legacy, sterling public service and unparalleled contribution to Philippine history.”

The Senate leadership has decided last Monday to suspend all legislative activities in deference to the death of Mrs. Aquino, who served as the 11th Philippine president and the first woman to become the highest leader in the Philippines and Asia.

A resolution filed by Sen. Manuel Roxas II, declaring Jan. 25, Mrs. Aquino’s birthday, as “Cory Aquino Day” is pending in committee deliberations.