Former senator Tessie Aquino-Oreta dies
FORMER senator Maria Teresa “Tessie” Aquino- Oreta died on Thursday, her son, Malabon City Mayor Antolin Oreta 3rd, confirmed on his Facebook page on Friday.
“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,” the mayor wrote.
“Former senator Tessie Aquino- Oreta was a public servant who devoted her life to the country and her adopted hometown of Malabon. She was a loving grandmother, mother and wife, and a friend to those whose lives she touched,” he added.
Aquino- Oreta was 75 years old. She was born on June 28, 1944 to Benigno Aquino and Aurora Aquino Her brother was the assassinated Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr.
Aquino-Oreta served as a representative of the lone district of Malabon CityNavotas during the eigth, ninth and 10th Congress, or from 1987 to 1998, before becoming senator during the 11th and 12th Congress from 1998 to 2004.
Malacañang has sent its condolences to the family of Aquino- Oreta.
“Senator Oreta had a distinguished career in public service. She served the country as a Senator during the 11th and 12th Congress and as Representative during the 8th, 9th and 10th Congress. May perpetual light shine upon the late Senator, and that her soul, through the mercy of God, rest in eternal peace” said Palace spokesman Harry Roque.
The Senate’s session on Monday, May 18, would be an “open- close” session as they mourn their former colleague.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said as tradition dictates, Monday’s session would be convened just to pass a resolution honoring Aquino- Oreta.
Senate President Vicente Sotto 3rd expressed sadness over the passing of Aquino- Oreta.
“My family and I are so saddened by her demise. She was very close to me and Sec[retary Gregorio] ‘Greg’ [Honasan]. 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,” Sotto said in a statement, referring his wife, actress Helen Gamboa.
Sotto recalled that some of AquinoOreta’s bills that were signed into law during her term in the Senate included the Early Childhood Care and Development
Act, Solo Parent Act, Solid Waste Management Act, Philippine Micronutrient Fortification Program, Clean Air Act, E- Commerce Act, the Philippine High School System Act, Governance of Basic Education Act and the Philippine Landscape Architecture Act.
The former senator was Education chairman from 1998 to 2004.
For his part, Sen. Richard Gordon and his wife Kate offered their condolences.
“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,” Gordon said.
She is survived by her husband, businessman Antolin Oreta Jr., and her four children, Mayor Oreta, Rissa, Karmela and Lorenzo.