Senate salutes, mourns death of ex-Sen. Rodolfo Biazon
Published Jun 12, 2023 03:38 am
Senators on Monday, June 12 took turns expressing their prayers and condolences following the death of former Armed Forces Chief of Staff and former senator Rodolfo “Pong” Biazon.
Former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff and former senator Rodolfo “Pong” Biazon. (Photo courtesy of Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Twitter)
“This is a bittersweet Independence Day, as the nation mourns the passing of Senator Rodolfo Biazon, one of our staunchest defenders of the peace and democracy that we are enjoying today,” Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said. “It was a gift to have been a novice senator during a time when Senator Biazon was still in office. I had the great fortune of learning from him, and being inspired by his uncompromising public service—not just as a veteran legislator but also as a veteran military man, having been the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces. He brought that same military discipline and commitment to his work in the Senate, and to every aspect of his life as a public servant,” the Senate chief added. Zubiri said he is grateful for the time that he was able to spend with the former senator in the Senate together. “And I am glad we had one last chance to reconnect with him last October, when he attended the Senate reunion. He was as bright and astute as ever, and a fountain of guidance and wisdom for those of us currently in the Senate,” added the senator. “My prayers and condolences go out to his family, friends and to the people whom he served with dedication as a senator, congressman and as a member of the uniformed service. May they be comforted by the fact that the whole nation will remember Senator Biazon as a great man of service who dedicated his entire life and career to our people,” he said. Former Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon also joined the fray: “A patriot has fallen. In his lifetime, Sen. Pong Biazon always stood, and fought, for what is right for our country. He fought a good fight. Like an old soldier, General Biazon will never die, he will just fade away.” Sen. Loren Legarda also expressed her deep sadness upon learning the news. “Sen. Rodolfo "Pong" Biazon (is) a true officer and public servant who dedicated his life to public service. His unwavering commitment to our nation's security and welfare will forever be remembered. He can now peacefully rest in the arms of our Creator.” Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. also expressed his sympathies and reminisced the honor of working with Biazon beginning in 2004. “He is the embodiment of a true officer and gentleman who devoted his entire life to serving the Philippines and the Filipino people, na damang-dama natin sa kanyang puso at pagmamahal sa bayan,” Revilla said. “And today - Independence Day - is very fitting to be when he was called upon by our Creator to go home. Snappy salute, Manong Pong. Rest in peace,” he stressed. According to the Senate website, Biazon became a senator in the 9th Congress from 1992 up to 1995 and from 1998 to 2010. He also represented Muntinlupa’s congressional district at the House of Representatives from 2010 to 2016. Prior to his political stint, Biazon was a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), having entered the force in 1957, even though he passed the examinations in the West Point and the US Naval Academy. As a soldier, he became Superintendent of PMA in 1986-87, Commandant of the Philippine Marines in 1987-89, Commanding General of the NCR Defense Command in 1988-90, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Vice Chief of Staff in 1990-91 and AFP Chief of Staff in 1991. The most remarkable event of his life as a soldier was when he was assigned in Davao in 1983. It was there when he won back the trust and confidence of the civilians in the military who were then perceived by the people to be oppressive and abusive, according to the Senate archives. As a senator, he authored bills which were enacted into law, some of which are: RA No. 9208 – Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003; RA No. 9161 – Rental Reform Act of 2002; RA 7835-Comprehensive and Integrated Shelter Finance Act; RA 7898-An Act providing for the Modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; RA 7742-An Act Amending PD1752 (Mandatory Pag-ibig Membership); RA 7901-An Act Creating the CARAGA Region; RA 7889-An Act Establishing the University of the Philippines Mindanao; RA 7863-The Home Guaranty Corporation Law. He also authored RA 7691-Expanding the Jurisdiction of MTC’s, MCTC and METC, Joint Resolution No. 7-Increasing the Subsistence Allowance of Soldiers and Policemen; RA 8763-Home Guarantee Corporation Act of 2000; RA 9040-An Act Exempting from the Tax Certain Allowances and Benefits granted to the members of the AFP, and RA 9049-An Act Granting Monthly Gratuity and Privileges to an Awardee of the Medal of Valor.
Former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff and former senator Rodolfo “Pong” Biazon. (Photo courtesy of Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Twitter)
“This is a bittersweet Independence Day, as the nation mourns the passing of Senator Rodolfo Biazon, one of our staunchest defenders of the peace and democracy that we are enjoying today,” Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said. “It was a gift to have been a novice senator during a time when Senator Biazon was still in office. I had the great fortune of learning from him, and being inspired by his uncompromising public service—not just as a veteran legislator but also as a veteran military man, having been the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces. He brought that same military discipline and commitment to his work in the Senate, and to every aspect of his life as a public servant,” the Senate chief added. Zubiri said he is grateful for the time that he was able to spend with the former senator in the Senate together. “And I am glad we had one last chance to reconnect with him last October, when he attended the Senate reunion. He was as bright and astute as ever, and a fountain of guidance and wisdom for those of us currently in the Senate,” added the senator. “My prayers and condolences go out to his family, friends and to the people whom he served with dedication as a senator, congressman and as a member of the uniformed service. May they be comforted by the fact that the whole nation will remember Senator Biazon as a great man of service who dedicated his entire life and career to our people,” he said. Former Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon also joined the fray: “A patriot has fallen. In his lifetime, Sen. Pong Biazon always stood, and fought, for what is right for our country. He fought a good fight. Like an old soldier, General Biazon will never die, he will just fade away.” Sen. Loren Legarda also expressed her deep sadness upon learning the news. “Sen. Rodolfo "Pong" Biazon (is) a true officer and public servant who dedicated his life to public service. His unwavering commitment to our nation's security and welfare will forever be remembered. He can now peacefully rest in the arms of our Creator.” Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. also expressed his sympathies and reminisced the honor of working with Biazon beginning in 2004. “He is the embodiment of a true officer and gentleman who devoted his entire life to serving the Philippines and the Filipino people, na damang-dama natin sa kanyang puso at pagmamahal sa bayan,” Revilla said. “And today - Independence Day - is very fitting to be when he was called upon by our Creator to go home. Snappy salute, Manong Pong. Rest in peace,” he stressed. According to the Senate website, Biazon became a senator in the 9th Congress from 1992 up to 1995 and from 1998 to 2010. He also represented Muntinlupa’s congressional district at the House of Representatives from 2010 to 2016. Prior to his political stint, Biazon was a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), having entered the force in 1957, even though he passed the examinations in the West Point and the US Naval Academy. As a soldier, he became Superintendent of PMA in 1986-87, Commandant of the Philippine Marines in 1987-89, Commanding General of the NCR Defense Command in 1988-90, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Vice Chief of Staff in 1990-91 and AFP Chief of Staff in 1991. The most remarkable event of his life as a soldier was when he was assigned in Davao in 1983. It was there when he won back the trust and confidence of the civilians in the military who were then perceived by the people to be oppressive and abusive, according to the Senate archives. As a senator, he authored bills which were enacted into law, some of which are: RA No. 9208 – Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003; RA No. 9161 – Rental Reform Act of 2002; RA 7835-Comprehensive and Integrated Shelter Finance Act; RA 7898-An Act providing for the Modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; RA 7742-An Act Amending PD1752 (Mandatory Pag-ibig Membership); RA 7901-An Act Creating the CARAGA Region; RA 7889-An Act Establishing the University of the Philippines Mindanao; RA 7863-The Home Guaranty Corporation Law. He also authored RA 7691-Expanding the Jurisdiction of MTC’s, MCTC and METC, Joint Resolution No. 7-Increasing the Subsistence Allowance of Soldiers and Policemen; RA 8763-Home Guarantee Corporation Act of 2000; RA 9040-An Act Exempting from the Tax Certain Allowances and Benefits granted to the members of the AFP, and RA 9049-An Act Granting Monthly Gratuity and Privileges to an Awardee of the Medal of Valor.