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Romualdez hails former colleague, ex-Sen. Biazon as a 'model citizen, brave soul'
Philippines
National
Romualdez hails former colleague, ex-Sen. Biazon as a 'model citizen, brave soul'
Romualdez hails former colleague, ex-Sen. Biazon as a 'model citizen, brave soul'
Published Jun 12, 2023 08:44 am
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday, June 12, joined the millions of Filipinos who gave their final salute to the late Sen. Rodolfo "Pong" Biazon, who passed away on Independence Day.
Aside from being a former senator, Biazon was also a former House of Representatives member and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff. He was 88. He served in the House from 2010 to 2016; before that he served as a senator from 1992 to 1995; and from 1998 to 2010.
“A brave soul has been summoned back to God's army on a day that we Filipinos associate with bravery. That is a fitting tribute to Pong Biazon by the Almighty, telling us to emulate the great Filipino that he was,” Romualdez said in a statement.
The House leader said he learned of Biazon's passing while participating in an activity in Caloocan City to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence Day.
“We send our deepest condolences and prayers to the Biazon family, especially to his widow Monserrat, and son Ruffy, who is also a former House colleague," Romualdez said referring to former Muntinlupa Representative and now Mayor Rufino “Ruffy” Biazon.
“Biazon was a model citizen. He lost his father at seven years old and was forced to work to provide for himself and his siblings at such a young age. Poverty did not faze him; with sheer determination, he put himself through school to gain the education that he needed to be somebody. In the end, he became somebody that would look up to,” said the Speaker.
A Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1961 graduate, Biazon climbed the ranks of the AFP to become its 21st chief-of-staff three decades later.
Biazon, he said, is a decorated military man, collecting honors such as the Distinguished Service Star, Gold Cross Medal, Outstanding Achievement Medal, Bronze Cross Medal, Military Merit Medals with one spearhead device and four bronze anahaws, Military Commendation Medals, Long Service Medal, Anti-dissidence Campaign Medal, Luzon Anti Dissidence Campaign Medal, Visayas Anti-Dissidence Campaign Medal, Mindanao Anti-dissidence Campaign Medal,Jolo and Sulu Campaign Medal, Disaster Relief & Rehabilitation Operation Ribbon, Combat Commander's Badge, and AFP Parachutist Badge.
Romualdez also hailed Biazon for his long body of work as a legislator. “Saludo kami sayo General. You're one of a kind,” the Speaker said.
In a separate statement, Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito also condoled with the Biazon family.
Ejercito recalled how Biazon was an approachable senior colleague in the House of Representatives when he was also part of it during the 15th Congress.
“He was one of my seatmates in the House of Representatives during the 15th Congress. At the time, he was an approachable senior colleague who never hesitated to provide advice and insight to younger lawmakers. His work as a senator was, likewise, inspiring; as one of my predecessors as chair of the Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing, and Resettlement, he pushed for bills that sought to establish low-cost housing,” the senator said.
“No one can ever question the breadth and depth of his courage and determination as a public servant. He was a man of principles, respected and adored by many. Hardened by his experience as a Marine, Senator Biazon possessed a fighting spirit that was difficult to match. He would carry on this fighting spirit until the very last minutes of life, in his final battle against lung cancer,” he pointed out.
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva also mourned Biazon’s passing as he recalled the privilege to work with him at the Commission on Appointments (CA) in the 14th Congress.
“I was the first partylist representative to join the CA representing the opposition then and it was Senator Pong who showed me the tricks of the trade and ways on how to become a more effective CA member,” Villanueva recalled.
“I will never forget the lessons he has taught me as well as his sense of humor which has been intact until his final days,” he stressed.
Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada said he believes Biazon’s departure “is a profound loss not only to his loved ones but also to our nation.”
“Throughout our years of collaboration, I witnessed his unwavering determination to create positive change and his ability to bridge gaps for the greater good of our nation,” Estrada said, also in a separate statement.
“His contributions to our country, particularly in the realm of legislation and national security, were invaluable and continue to shape the path of our nation. Sen. Biazon’s leadership and statesmanship have left an indelible mark on our nation’s history and will be remembered for generations to come,” he also said.