“A brave soul has been summoned back to God's army on a day that we Filipinos associate with bravery.”
That was the poignant tribute written by a son in honor of a beloved father. Former Senator Rodolfo G. Biazon died in the morning of June 12, according to his son Muntinlupa City Mayor Rufino Rozzano Biazon, just as the ceremonies marking the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence, were unfolding.
He was the first former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff to seek and win election to the Senate in 1992, a year after his retirement. He was elected Senator anew in 1998; was reelected in 2004 and served until 2010. Then he served two terms as Muntinlupa City Representative from 2010 to 2016. All told, he served for 21 years as a legislator, following 34 years as a professional soldier.
It was during the coup attempt in December 1990 that General Biazon gained national prominence. As commanding general of the AFP’s National Capital Region Defense Command, he spearheaded the quelling of a coup attempt by rebel soldiers who had occupied luxury hotels in Makati after failing to seize control of vital military installations. This led to his promotion to AFP Chief of Staff in 1991 — a fitting capstone to his military career.
Evidently, his valiant deeds had captured the imagination of the electorate. He earned a place in the 24-seat Senate alongside the likes of popular personalities like Tito Sotto, Ramon Revilla, Sr., Orly Mercado, and Freddie Webb; civil society leaders like Ernesto ‘Boy’ Herrera, Raul Roco, Heherson Alvarez, Bobby Tañada, Teofisto Guingona and Joey Lina; Marcos-era notables Blas Ople, Arturo Tolentino, Ernesto Maceda, and Francisco Tatad; and emerging women leaders Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Leticia Ramos-Shahani.
That election in 1992 coincided with the first peaceful transition in the presidency since 1965. It was won by former Defense Secretary Fidel V. Ramos by the thinnest of margins over Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Eduardo ‘Danding’ Cojuangco, Jr.
Clearly, General Biazon had secured a well-deserved place in the post-EDSA leadership gallery by dint of his stature as an ardent democracy advocate. He did not disappoint. In both the Senate and the House, he authored or co-sponsored significant legislation that eventually became laws of the Republic.
Biazon's sponsored measures that became laws include Republic Act (RA) No. 9208, Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act; RA No. 9161, reforming the renting industry; RA No. 7835, Comprehensive and Integrated Shelter Finance Act; RA No. 7898, An Act Providing for the Modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; RA No. 7863, the Home Guaranty Corporation Law; and RA No. 10354, or the Reproductive Health Act.
Also shepherded by Biazon through the legislative mill were: Joint Resolution No. 7, increasing the subsistence allowance of soldiers and policemen; RA No. 9040, tax exemption of allowances and benefits for members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; RA No. 9049, granting monthly gratuity and privileges soldiers awarded the Medal of Valor.
Former Senator Rodolfo G. Biazon’s sterling service to God and country brings to mind this passage from St. Matthew’s gospel: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’