‘A LEGENDARY STATESMAN’

Three more lawmakers on Monday paid tribute to the late former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr., whom they described as a “legendary statesman.”

Deputy Speaker and Cibac party list Rep. Eddie Villanueva described Pimentel as “patriotic and brilliant” and “among the few inspirations that a genuine statesman can have.”

He recalled how Pimentel was imprisoned four times and stood his ground and maintained his integrity even though he was offered to be released.

“He continued fighting for freedom in our country, even on the streets. He has fought the battle and finished the race,” Villanueva said in a statement.

Minority Leader Bienvenido Abante Jr., meanwhile, said Pimentel was a lawmaker “whose contributions to Philippine legislation helped rebuild our democracy following the Edsa revolution.”

“He was one of the few truly outstanding Mindanao-born leaders on the national stage, a public servant who stood by his principles regardless of whether he was in the majority or the minority,” Abante said.

Magsasaka party list Rep. Argel Cabatbat said Pimentel inspired him to “pursue a life of service for our country.”

He described Pimentel as a “statesman, a principled leader and an advocate for social justice and freedom.”