Palace mourns death of former senator Espina

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang mourned the death of former senator Rene Espina and lauded him for his contributions to public service.

“The Palace expresses its deep sympathy to the family, friends, colleagues and supporters of former senator Rene Espina,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement yesterday.

“The Filipino people are indeed grateful for the long track record of public service Senator Espina gave to the nation. May eternal rest grant to this faithful servant of the Lord, may perpetual light shine upon him, and may his soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace,” he added.

Espina died Friday. He was 89.

“Another light dimmed in the passing of a good man who loved his country. We will miss you dad,” Espina’s son Erik wrote in an online post.

The elder Espina is the author of Republic Act 6425 or Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972, the Philippines’ first anti-drug law. The law is the precursor of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Espina also served as governor of Cebu and secretary of public works, transportation and communication during the Marcos administration. 

At age 33, he was named administrator of the Social Security Services by the late president Diosdado Macapagal, the youngest to be appointed to the post.

The former senator’s remains are laid at Our Lady of China and Matteo Ricci Chapels in Sacred Heart Church, Cebu City, according to his daughter-in-law Mitch Espina.