MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. visited the wake of Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s mother Wednesday night, allowing the two senior lawmakers to mend fences after the contentious issue on double entry in the 2008 national budget broke out.
“He (Villar) came to condole with me and the family. I am overwhelmed and humbled by his humility. I didn’t expect him to convey his condolence personally since he was one of the first of 22 senators who sent flowers,” Lacson said.
Lacson’s mother, Maxima, succumbed to heart failure at the age of 87.
She had been confined in a hospital and Lacson said he had been trying to spend as much time with her as he could.
“While we were hearing Mass, as I gazed at the wreaths of flowers sent by personal and political allies and foes surrounding my mom’s coffin, I couldn’t help but think how proud and happy she should be,” Lacson said.
President Arroyo and her husband Jose Miguel Arroyo, considered “mortal enemies” of Lacson, also sent flowers, as did fellow lawmakers including Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.
Lacson had figured in an argument with Cayetano, who defended Villar over the double insertion controversy.
Villar and Lacson had a chat during the wake. Lacson was overheard as telling Villar that it was such a painful experience losing one’s mother and that they should take care of their elders.
Villar had just arrived from Bacolod and went directly to Samson Funeral Homes in Imus, Cavite.
It was the first time for the two senators to talk face-to-face after the double insertion controversy.
Lacson had accused Villar of making the insertion for the C-5 road extension project supposedly to favor the Senate leader’s real estate investments.
Aside from being paid for the right of way, Lacson said Villar’s properties would benefit from the road development.
Villar denied the allegations, saying it was all part of politicking since he had declared his intention to run for president in the 2010 elections.