Former senator Rene Saguisag, 84

Former senator Rene Saguisag, a freedom fighter and human rights lawyer who contributed to crafting the code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees, died late Tuesday at the age of 84.

- CECILLE SUERTE FELIPE

In a Facebook post yesterday morning, his son Rebo Saguisag said: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Papa and Lolo." The younger Saguisag did not mention the cause of his father's death.

"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 statement read.

Saguisag was elected senator in 1987 in the first post-EDSA people power polls and served until 1992.

He was chairman of the Senate committee on ethics and privilege and ad hoc committee on the Bataan nuclear power plant.

Born Aug. 14, 1939 in Mauban, Quezon, Saguisag has four children with his late wife Dulce Maramba Quintans, who died in a car crash in 2007 which the former senator survived.

Rebo's post added, "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." Rebo said, "We request that our family be granted a few moments of privacy as we grieve. We will soon announce details of the service honoring his life, and we look forward to the opportunity to gather and pay tribute to a life lived with integrity and purpose.

Papa/Lolo has passed on, but his spirit will continue to inspire us to strive for a more just world." As the Philippine flag at the Senate compound was flown at halfstaff, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri joined "the country in mourning the passing of Saguisag, a man of true honor, dignity and integrity."