Senate holds necrological services for Ramon Revilla Sr.

Former presidents, senators and other political figures on Wednesday, July 1, paid tribute to the late ex-senator and actor Ramon B. Revilla Sr.

The Senate held a necrological service for Revilla, who succumbed to heart failure last June 26 at the age of 93.

Some senators, as well as a few of Revilla's relatives and friends were present at the Senate's plenary hall for the necrological service. They wore face masks and observed physical distancing during the rites. Others participated via teleconference.

Revilla served as a member of the Upper Chamber from the 9th Congress in 1992 to the 12th Congress in 2004. His colleague and son-in-law, former Sen. Robert Jaworski, said in his eulogy, "It was a great privilege to have worked with him from 1998 to 2004."

Jaworski's wife Evelyn Bautista is the eldest daughter of Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr., whose real name is Jose Acuna Bautista.

"Senator Revilla was a man with multitude of wisdom," the basketball legend-turned-senator added.

Former Sen. Jose "Joey" Lina Jr., meanwhile, enumerated Revilla's legislative works, highlighting him as the "Father of the Public Works Act."  Revilla had always headed the Senate Committee on Public Works during his term as a senator.

Former senator and current Antique Representative Loren Legarda also delivered a eulogy for Revilla, who was her "seatmate" from 1998 to 2004.

"He looked serious, quiet, yet he was always quick to give compliments and advice. Hindi siya madamot sa pagbigay ng papuri lalo na sa mga babae," Legarda said, before citing his contributions to legislation.

In a taped eulogy, former President Joseph Estrada said he was "very saddened" by the demise of his close friend, whom he had also worked with in the entertainment industry. The two were film actors before entering politics.

"Bilang isang artista at producer, si Ramon Sr. ang isa sa nagbigay-kulay at sigla sa industry ng pelikulang Filipino. (As an artist and producer, Ramon Sr. is one of those who gave life to the Philippines film industry)," Estrada said.

"At bilang isang mambabatas, utang natin kay Ramon Sr. ang 'Revilla Law' na nagpabuti sa relasyon sa pamilya at kasama ako sa nakinabang sa batas na 'yan," he said, referring to the Republic Act No. 9255, which allowed illegitimate children to use the surname of their father.

"Sa aking primo, Ramon Revilla Sr., paalam (To my dear friend, Ramon Revilla Sr., farewell). Sa iyong pag-alis, dalhin mo ang pagmamahal ng mga Ejercito-Estrada. (In your departure, please bring with you the love from the Ejercito-Estrada family). Nananatili ang iyong agimat sa puso ng sambayanang Filipino (Your amulet will forever be in the hearts of the Filipino nation). Paalam, paalam, Primo (Goodbye, goodbye my friend)," Estrada said.

Estrada's successor, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, also delivered a personal speech for Revilla, who was her partymate in the Lakas-CMD.

Arroyo narrated how Revilla helped her during the 1992 elections.

"Sa aming pangkat, ang pinakasikat ay si Sen. Ramon Revilla. (In our group, Revilla was the most popular). Siya lang hinihintay ng audience, pag tapos ng diskursyo niya umaalis na rin ang audience. (The audience were only waiting for him, they would leave when Revilla finishes his speech). Kaya naman naawa siya sa akin na baguhan sa pulitika, hinihintay niya ako na matapos ang aking diskurso bago siya umalis. (That's why he pitied me, who was a neophyte in politics then, he would wait for me before he leaves)," Arroyo said of their campaign sorties.

The former president likewise said the country "owes" to Revilla the developments in infrastructure due to his Public Works Act, among other important measures. For this, she said she continued to trust Revilla and appointed him as chairman of the Public Estates Authority, which was later renamed to Philippine Reclamation Authority.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III, meanwhile, failed to hold back his tears while he recalled his time with his close friend.

Before they worked together in the Senate, Sotto, also a former singer and actor, said Revilla hired him as his musical director in a number of his films.

"Noon pa lang alam ko na kung gaanong kaayos at maasikaso siya sa trabaho (Since then I have known how dedicated and organized he was at work). He would spend hours with me while I lay in the music tracks for his movies," the Senate chief said.

Sotto's wife, actress Helen Gamboa, and one of his daughters, also worked with Revilla in some movies.

"Those were the days that we will continue to remember him by, and that we are glad to have known him up close and personal. It was a great honor and privilege," Sotto said.

"His memory will live on in his family of movie stars and public servants, following indeed in the footsteps of their honored patriarch. Salamat (Thank you), Don Ramon. Salamat Jose  Acuña Bautista, Sr. Paalam, Senator Ramon Revilla," he said.

Revilla's son, Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., thanked his father's colleagues, friends and the Filipino people for expressing their love, stories and sympathies.

During the necrological service, a Senate resolution was presented to Revilla's family to honor his life and service to the country.