Former Senator and human rights advocate Rene Saguisag during an interview on October 14, 2016. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/file

MANILA (2nd UPDATE) — Former senator Rene Saguisag has died, his family announced Wednesday. He was 84.

In a statement, his family said Saguisag "passed away knowing that he was much loved and respected."

"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," they said.

"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."

Saguisag was a human rights lawyer and opposition figure jailed during the martial law rule of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

Saguisag later served as spokesman for Marcos Sr.'s successor, former President Corazon Aquino.

He was senator from 1987 to 1992 and co-authored the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees or RA 6713. He was the main author of the Ombudsman Act of 1989.

"As a lawmaker, Saguisag did not seek out the public limelight, leaving his colleagues to speak out on burning issues of the day. But he contributed immensely to the legislative grind, or the crafting of landmark legislations," journalist Philip M. Lustre Jr. wrote in a 2019 ANCX article.

"When he ran for the Senate in 1987, human rights lawyer Rene Saguisag vowed to serve a single term and seek no reelection. It was a campaign promise he piously kept," Lustre said.

READ: The Last Good Senator: Rene Saguisag

Saguisag chaired the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privilege and Ad Hoc Committee on the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. He was one of the 2 senators who attended all 415 session days from July 1987 to June 1990, according to the Senate.

Born on August 14, 1939, in Mauban town in Quezon, Saguisag finished his primary education at Makati Elementary School in 1951 and received his secondary studies at Rizal High School in 1955.

Saguisag was a graduate of San Beda College where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree (with honors) and Bachelor of Laws degree (cum laude) in 1959 and 1963, respectively.

He was a full scholar at the prestigious Harvard University in 1968 where he obtained his Master of Laws degree.

Saguisag survived a 2007 road accident that killed his wife Dulce Maramba Quintanas. 

'A TRUE STATESMAN'

In a statement, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri described Saguisag as a "man of true honor" and "a true statesman."

"He may have just served one term in the Senate, but his entire life was devoted to pursuing justice and fairness for every Filipino, particularly through such initiatives as the Free Legal Assistance Group," Zubiri said.

"Sen. Saguisag leaves behind a legacy of service and excellence that continues to be a benchmark for many young lawyers and public servants," he added.

Former senator Franklin Drilon said Saguisag served as a model of a public servant and that he was "unbending in his principles on morality in public service."

Former senator Orly Mercado paid tribute to Saguisag, saying his colleague at the Senate was a "dedicated public servant and an honest person. A man with integrity."

Human rights advocate Erin Tañada in a statement recalled that Saguisag was part of the batch of lawyers who were "[at] the forefront in defending the underprivileged and political detainees during the Marcos Senior Dictatorship."

Saguisag "followed the lead of former Senator Lorenzo Tañada and former Senator Jose Diokno in visiting clients in the various jails and military stockades to offer his legal services" as a member of human rights groups Flag and Mabini, Erin Tañada said.

'FEARLESS FREEDOM FIGHTER'

Then Supreme Court spokesperson Theodore Te also relished his encounters with Saguisag.

"He was someone who was makwento (chatty). He had a lot of stories, talked about handling cases for his usual clients: the underdog. I learned a lot from him not just about the law, cases, but about life and about character," Te said.

In a Facebook post, former Tourism and Interior Secretary Rafael Alunan III remembered Saguisag as a "fearless freedom fighter" and a "legal eagle."

"Thank you for your moral compass and selfless service to the nation," he said.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen said of Saguisag on X: "A friend, a patriot, and a compassionate lawyer. You will be missed."