Former Senate president Pimentel laid to rest

MANILA, Philippines — The late former Senate president Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. was buried at the Heritage Park in Taguig City yesterday morning.

Pimentel, one of the first 24 senators of the re-assembled Senate under the 1987 Constitution, succumbed to lymphoma on Oct. 20. He was 85.

He was a pivotal figure in the downfall of the dictatorship of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

Family, friends and supporters attended the funeral of the former legislator, whose honor guard fired a three-volley salute.

The Philippine flag was draped over Pimentel’s coffin as it was lowered into his grave.

During the requiem mass, Fr. Antonio Pascual said in his homily that Pimentel’s death is “the loss of a great public servant truly worthy of public trust.”

“Greatness is service. As Pope Francis reminds us, true power is service. It is not used in self-interest but selfless service for God and country,” Pascual said.

Pascual said Pimentel’s life should serve as an inspiration to the people.

“He loved his country with humility, honesty, integrity in public service. And that is what we long for in our public servants. Let us pray that his legacy may radiate and inspire our young leaders,” he added.