Senators on Wednesday, April 24, paid tribute to former Senator Rene Augusto Verceluz Saguisag, hailing him as a true patriot and an exemplary, honest public servant to many lawmakers.
Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said that even though Saguisag only served one term in the Senate, “his entire life was devoted to pursuing justice and fairness for every Filipino” particularly through initiatives such as the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG).
“As a member of the Senate, Sen. Saguisag co-authored laws that up to now uphold the highest standards in the public service, such as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act 6713) and the Ombudsman Act of 1989 (Republic Act No. 6770),” Zubiri said.
Zubiri said Saguisag not only left an indelible mark as a true statesman but also emulated and lived out the principle that those who have less in life should have more in law by giving free legal services to the poor and needy.
“Sen. Saguisag leaves behind a legacy of service and excellence that continues to be a benchmark for many young lawyers and public servants,” the Senate chief said.
“We express our deepest and sincerest condolences to the loved ones of Sen. Saguisag, and may the Lord grant them peace and comfort during this time of great loss,” he added.
Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda also remembered Saguisag as a “voice of the voiceless, fearlessly speaking up in a time when people were afraid to and defending them with all his might at risk of his own life.”
“I also admire him for continually standing up for human rights up until his final breath—wanting to make every Filipino viewed the same under the 1987 Constitution,” Legarda said.
“In his lone Senate term, he made sure that there would be accountability of public officials and civil servants,” she further recalled.
Legarda also saluted Saguisag as one of those who vehemently opposed the stay of the United States military bases in the country.
Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero also expressed his condolences and prayers to the Saguisag family: “He was a patriot, a nationalist and an honest public servant.”
A legal luminary, Sen. Grace Poe said Saguisag devoted his time and brilliance to man, especially the disadvantaged in society.
“In our citizenship battle with the courts, Sen. Rene had stood with us, unconditionally lending his wit and wisdom, and for this, we will forever hold him dear,” Poe said.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros said Saguisag will be remembered as an opposition leader during the anti-dictatorship struggle and a staunch defender of democracy and human rights.
"Sen. Saguisag stood alongside us in opposing the extension of martial law in Mindanao in 2017. I also had the distinct honor of having him as my legal counsel, and his dedication to his profession and advocacy have inspired me deeply," Hontiveros said.
Saguisag, born on August 14, 1939 in Mauban, Quezon, died on April 24, 2024 at the age of 84. His son, Rebo Saguisag, made the announcement on his Facebook post.
“As we mourn his loss, we take solace in the enduring impact of his legacy. Rene Saguisag was a dedicated public servant, and his tireless endeavors as a human rights advocate, senator, and writer stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice, truth and democracy,” the Saguisag family said in a statement.
“For him, expertise in law was a means to serve the poor and disenfranchised, and he provided free legal aid to those in need. We are grateful that, in his final months, he was able to spend time with relatives, friends and countless supporters. He passed away knowing that he was much loved and respected,” they also stated.
During the martial law years, Saguisag was a prominent opposition figure, working as a human rights lawyer. He played a crucial role as the first spokesperson for President Corazon “Cory” Aquino following the 1986 People Power revolution.
In 1987, Saguisag was elected to the Senate, where he chaired the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges and served as the adhoc committee chair on the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. He ran under the Liberal Party.
His term in the Senate concluded in 1992. He was one of the two senators who attended all 415 session days from July 1987 to June 1990.
After his Senate stint, then president Joseph Estrada appointed him to head the ad hoc and Independent Citizens’ Committee (AHICC), which Estrada created through an administrative order.
Saguisag was also one of the leading defense lawyers during the impeachment trial of former President Estrada.
He eventually became a columnist for several newspapers while continuing his work on human rights. He also filed cases against the Anti-Terror Law of 2020 and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) treaty during the term of then President Benigno Aquino III.
Saguisag was known for being vocal in criticizing politician. He was also known for writing books.
Saguisag finished his primary at Makati Elementary School in 1951, then his secondary course at Rizal High School in 1955. He achieved his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1959 with honors and Bachelor of Laws degree in 1963 cum laude both at San Beda College, records from the Senate of the Philippines shows.
The human rights advocate also acquired his master of laws degree full scholar at Harvard University in 1968.
Prior to this, Saguisag worked as a checker, laborer, construction site guard and messenger from 1959 to 1962. He became a student researcher from 1962 to 1972, then later as associate and eventually part time in Ledesma, Guytingco, Velasco and Saguisag.
He became a member, law faculty (Assistant Dean 1971-1972) from 1961 to 1972. From 1972 to 1986, Saguisag practiced law and eventually became a human rights lawyer.
Saguisag married Dulce Maramba Quintanas with whom he has four children. In Nov. 8, 2007, Saguisag and his wife figured in a car crash in Makati City. He and his driver survived the incident but his wife’s life was taken. Saguisag was left in critical condition but eventually was released from the hospital on December 2007.
Timeline:
1972 to 1986—Saguisag became a prominent human rights lawyer when martial law brought about multiple human rights abuses; he was among the opposition figures targeted by then President Ferdinand Marcos’ administration. He spent several months in jail without being charged of a crime and upon his release joined the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG).
1986—After the 1986 EDSA Revolution, Saguisag became then President Corazon Aquino’s spokesperson.
1987—Saguisag ran for senator in the first constitutional election under the Liberal Party. During the campaign he vowed to only run for one term. He stayed in the Senate until 1992, the end of his promised one term. As senator, he chaired the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges; and served as the ad hoc committee on the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.
1991, Saguisag voted against the proposed Philippines-US military bases treaty. He was part of the “Magnificent 12” that voted to an end to the US military’s presence in the country.
1999—Saguisag became the head of the ad hoc and independent citizens’ committee (AHICC) created by then President Joseph Estrada through Administrative Order No. 53. The AHICC was formed to investigate the alleged irregularities in the Philippine Centennial Celebration following reports bidding for certain centennial projects were rigged and documents were allegedly forged.
2001—Saguisag represented Estrada as part of his defense team, in his corruption trial at the Sandiganbayan.
2007—Saguisag and his wife, Dulce, figured in a car accident. His wife died in the incident.
2024—Saguisag made his last public appearance in April 9, 2024 at a ceremony at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City. Here he was honored as one of the 13 Pillars of the Bantayog as part of the celebration of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor).