A Patriot, an Officer and a True Statesman
How fitting it is that our Lord brought General Rodolfo “Pong” Biazon back home to Himself on the day we were celebrating the 125th Philippine Independence Day. He was the portrait of a patriot, an officer, and a true statesman. So much has been said about him, his service to the country, and his illustrious military and political career. But I remember him, particularly for his involvement in the advocacies of the basic sectors of society, having been born in a poor family himself.
Back in the 90s, he supported the urban poor sector in repealing the anti-urban poor law of Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. criminalizing squatting, and he championed the cause of the sector with non-government organizations. I remember on one occasion that he received recognition for this from one NGO, and he humbly accepted it, saying, “This is one of the best awards I have ever received.”
His record as a lawmaker will show how he has helped in the legislation of laws that respond to the needs of the ordinary Filipino, among them the Republic Act No. 7835 (Comprehensive and Integrated Shelter Finance Act), Republic Act No. 9040 (Tax Exemption of allowances and benefits for members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Republic Act No. 9161 (Rental Reform Control Act).
He remained genuinely unaffected by power and privilege and sought to live an honorable life promoting social justice and defending the cause of the Filipino poor. This is how I would want to remember him- as a man who truly loved his country and the Filipino people.
TRIVIA:
Belated birthday greetings to our CFC brother Ramon Olanio who celebrated his birthday early in June.
Congratulations to BIGGS Diner for its 40 years of food service to the Bicol region. It will be remembered how Biggs started in 1983 when three enterprising ladies, Nene Bichara, Nienie Buenaflor, and Maricar Manjon, decided to plunge into the food business.
QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:
“A politician thinks of the next election, and a statesman of the next generation.” - J.F. CLARKE
FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:
“Greater love has no one than this, that one should lay down his life for his friends.” -John 15:13