MANILA, Philippines – The flag at the Senate flew at half mast to mourn the passing of former Senate President Ernesto Maceda.
“I join the entire nation in mourning the passing of a statesman and an esteemed colleague, former Senate President Ernesto M. Maceda. I send my sincerest condolences to his family and I pray that the Lord will give them strength throughout this difficult time,” Senate President Franklin Drilon said in a statement.
“I have ordered Senate Secretary Oscar G. Yabes to lower the flag at the Senate at half-mast to honor Senator Maceda,” he said.
Drilon said he witnessed how Maceda served the public well which he is proud of. He said Maceda became a Cabinet member at the age of 29 and became an “effective bureaucrat and a principled lawmaker who always acted based on the people's interest."
“In the time that we shared in the Senate floor, I have known him as a tireless worker and a very 'hands-on' Senate President, whose unique zeal and work ethic had led to many important laws that benefited our people,” Drilon said.
“I am proud to have worked alongside such a distinguished public servant. He will remain an inspiration to all of us,” he added.
Maceda died at the age of 81 due to health complications.
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