Ex Senator Tessie Oreta, 75

MANILA, Philippines — Former senator Tessie Aquino-Oreta passed away on Thursday night. She was 75.

The former senator’s death was confirmed by her son, Malabon Mayor Lenlen Oreta through his official Facebook page.

The cause of her death was not disclosed but she had been undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.

“On behalf of my family, it is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my mom at 10:48 p.m. of May 14. Former senator Tessie Aquino-Oreta was a public servant who devoted her life to the country and her adopted hometown of Malabon,” the mayor said.

Oreta described his mother as “a loving grandmother, mother and wife and a friend to those whose lives she touched.”

“We ask for your prayers for mom,” he said.

Malacañang expressed its condolences to the family yesterday.

“Senator Oreta had a distinguished career in public service. She served the country as a senator during the 11th and 12th Congress and as a representative during the 8th, 9th and 10th Congress,” said presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III, a close friend of Oreta, expressed grief over her passing.

“My family and I are so saddened by her demise. She was very close to me and (former senator and incumbent Information and Communications) secretary Greg (Honasan),” Sotto said in a message to reporters.

He said his wife, veteran actress Helen Gamboa, also mourns the death of the former lawmaker. “Helen, being a relative of theirs, is devastated by her passing away. She has not stopped crying since we were told the news last night.”

Born on June 28, 1944, Oreta headed the Senate committee on education, arts and culture during the 11th Congress. The Senate would pass a resolution honoring the former senator on Monday.

“There are so many fond memories with her in and out of the Senate. She was a very lively person and a very good legislator. Nine years in the HOR (House of Representatives) honed her for her six years in the Senate. Her work ethic was excellent,” Sotto said.

He described her as a staunch supporter of education for the masses and women empowerment, adding that he might share in the future “many funny anecdotes” with her specially during the time when they, along with Honasan, were in the presidential campaign management team of the late actor star Fernando Poe Jr. in 2004.

Aquino-Oreta, an aunt of former president Benigno Aquino III, crafted the Solo Parent Act, Solid Waste Management Act, Philippine Micronutrient Fortification Program, Clean Air Act and Philippine High School System Act, among others.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan expressed his condolences to her family and cited her lasting legacy when she was in the legislature.

“Her monicker TAO, is very apt for senator Tessie Aquino-Oreta,” Pangilinan said, referring to the late senator’s initials that also mean human being. “She has compassion, humility and heart, especially for her advocacy on education. Maybe she got these traits as the youngest sister of her brother Ninoy Aquino.”

He recalled that when the late senator was in the Senate from 1998 to 2004, she worked hard on the passage of laws that gave the youth the chance to have quality education and a bright future.

Sen. Richard Gordon lamented her death, saying “the country lost a dedicated public servant who was also an advocate of education and employment.”

“Not only did we share the same passion for promoting the welfare of our country’s teachers because of our belief that having good teachers is the key to a better future for our country, but Tessie was also a very close friend to us,” he said.

Malabon public information chief Bong Padua said the Oretas have yet to disclose details of the interment as they are strictly observing enhanced community quarantine protocols.

He said Mayor Oreta “will announce at an opportune time the details of the burial so that friends and supporters could pay their last respects.” Christina Mendez, Rey Galupo