Push Admin

Article (news)

20180516-angara-senate-tribute-GC-4170

Sherrie Ann Torres

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/171412558827320180516-angara-senate-tribute-GC-4170.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>The late former senator Rene Saguisag. George Calvelo, ABS CBN News/fileFormer senator Rene Saguisag was someone who always cherished to be called a public servant than a government official, according to his son, Makati City Councilor Atty. Rebo Saguisag.</div>The senior Saguisag, who dedicated most of his life defending in court the poor and the oppressed, refused to take the limelight or accept an award when he was alive, his son said.“He was never a politician. He would always say, he was a public servant. Hindi talaga siya pulitiko. I don’t know of anyone else that got his chance at the Senate and left it after one term,” Rebo said. “Ang isa pa palaging sinasabi nya is public service is his own reward... talagang the recognition that he would avoid awards. Talagang kung hindi pa pipilitin ng Nanay ko yan, which is very rare... Bantayog ng mga Bayani nga kami pa ang nagpilit sa kanya,” Rebo added.What principle that his father repeatedly instilled in them is to love the country unconditionally, the younger Saguisag said.“Siyempre, we had to share him with the country... talagang puro sa bayan, and sabi naman nya sa amin, it doesn’t have always in grand ways. I was able to work with him in his law firm. And ang sabi nya, even in a small way, you’ll try to equalize kasi the powerless and the powerful,” he said.“In this pro bono work that we do, talagang malaking bagay nay un. He’s always believed that whatever you do in life. Sabi niya sa akin, kahit tubero pa, if you do it well, you’re serving the country... wherever you go, you  can never give up on our motherland,” he added.   The principle was carried on by his father despite the many disappointing events that the latter saw in the country’s political arena, his son said.“Suffice it to say I don’t know parang I saw in him,  parang, I don’t know if he was kinda resigned na rin eh. I couldn’t say that he was happy, but siguro parang sabi rin nya it’s time for the next generation to take over. I think he’s done his part, more than of what is asked of him,” Rebo said.   Saguisag died midnight of April 24 following a week of hospital confinement. He battled various ailments in the past years, Rebo said.His son believes the former senator’s health started to decline during the pandemic.One of his last public appearances was during an event at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani.The elder Saguisag was with his children, a son-in-law and, his nurse and his grandson and namesake, Rene Saguisag III, when he passed away.“I don’t know kung totoo yun. Parang ako yung huling nagsalita... just to assure him that I will take care of everything. I think that’s all he needed to hear, and wala pa ako sa bahay when I received a text to my father that he went on to another world,” Rebo said.With his father’s demise, one big consolation that they are feeling right now, is seeing how many people regard their father, and praise what he has done for the country and respect him.“I think that his spirit will never die,” said Rebo.With his father already gone, Rebo, whose name actually means “Rebolusyon,” is planning to continue his father’s human rights’ advocacy through “Artikulo Tres” – composed of volunteer-lawyers dedicated to give free legal assistance to the poor and the oppressed.“It gave me a lot to think about. And maybe in my later years which is soon. I want to retire soon, retire early and continue some of his advocacies including pro bono work.  Tawag nya Palanan Poverty Loan Center that’s one and why not? And sabi rin nya we can never let anyone experiment with our civil liberties,” Rebo said.“I know that it’s a big burden. But someone has to continue the fight and if it has to be me. I’m willing to work with others of course, to continue this fight... maybe it’s a sign for me also to maybe redirect my career path and devote more. And serve to give back to our motherland,” he added.

Former senator Rene Saguisag was someone who always cherished to be called a public servant than a government official, according to his son, Makati City Councilor Atty. Rebo Saguisag.

Former senator Rene Saguisag was someone who always cherished to be called a public servant than a government official, according to his son, Makati City Councilor Atty. Rebo Saguisag.

Saguisag's son shares father's aspirations for nation

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

News

Saguisag's son shares father's aspirations for nation

Sherrie Ann Torres,

ABS-CBN News

Published Apr 26, 2024 06:00 PM PHT

Read More:

Rene Saguisag

Rebo Saguisag

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.