The world of Philippine politics is grieving the passing of former Senate President Aquilino ‘Nene’ Pimentel this morning.
Pimentel, known in circles as the “Father of Local Government Code” for his role in coming up with a template on public administration, was 85.
“Our beloved Tatay Nene has joined our Creator at 5 am today, Oct 20, 2019. We thank all those who have been a part of his life,” Senator Koko Pimentel told reporters.
The former senator and federalism advocate died of lymphoma or cancer of the immune system.
“Our people thank former Senator Pimentel for his long, fearless and principled track record of public service. He would forever be etched in our history as a giant among his peers who championed democracy and electoral reform and a visionary who espoused devolution of powers and strong local governance,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
Vice President Leni Robredo on the other hand thanked Pimentel for being a “true statesman.”
“Our country lost one of its last statesmen today with the passing of former Senate President Nene Pimentel. He was kind, a true gentleman, and principled amid many challenges we faced as a nation,” she said.
“My family and I bereave this very sad news. I feel like I lost a close relative and not just a friend. I was his majority leader when he was Senate President and we were very close. He was my idol!” Senate President Tito Sotto said in a statement.
Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri also mourns the death of a fellow Mindanaoan lawmaker.
“I am very sad for the loss of a great Filipino statesman who fought and risked his life for the many advocacies that he believed in. The death of our former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel, Jr is a great loss for Mindanao,” Zubiri said.
