Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri on Wednesday said he mourns the passing of former senator and broadcaster Edgardo "Eddie" Ilarde.
Ilarde died in his home in Makati City on Tuesday morning at age 85. According to radio DZBB, his relatives opted not to anymore disclose the cause of his death, although they said it was not because of the novel coronavirus.
"I join the nation in mourning the loss of our former Senator Edgardo U. Ilarde—our one and only Kuya Eddie," Zubiri said in a statement.
"People can only aspire to become as ubiquitous and influential as Eddie Ilarde was in his heyday, when he dominated the airwaves," he added.
Zubiri said Ilarde was not "just a host, he defined our idea of one."
"Articulate, incisive, but never self-serious, his voice earned the nation’s trust and confidence. His effortless ability to connect with audiences made him a fixture in millions of Filipino homes, which were regularly tuned in to his numerous radio and television programs," he said of Ilarde.
"We have lost a senator, a congressman, an assemblyman, and a pioneering voice in Philippine media, but his legacy will continue," Zubiri said.
Former senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero also expressed his condolences to the loved ones of Ilarde.
"I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of my fellow Bicolano and Former Senator Eddie Ilarde. May God give you the strength to overcome this difficult time," Escudero tweeted.
Ilarde, born August 25, 1934, was known for hosting renowned television programs such as the noon-time variety show "Student Canteen"; and radio programs "Kahapon Lamang", "Dear Kuya Eddie" and "Napakasakit, Kuya Eddie".
He served as senator from 1970 to 1972. Before that, he was a city councilor and a congressman.