Wednesday, August 04, 2004 Senate pays tribute to Tolentino
THE Senate lauded former Senate President Arturo Tolentino, who succumbed to heart failure Tuesday.
Senate President Franklin Drilon ordered that the flag outside the Senate be flown at half-mast in respect to Tolentino and at the same time asked the Upper Chamber to prepare for a necrological service on Thursday.
"The late Senator Tolentino was one of the country's best lawyers and was a shining star in the Senate. He was a scholar, writer, diplomat and distinguished author of law books. Turing Tolentino was not only brilliant, he was also a man of integrity and high principles," Drilon said.
And in accordance with tradition, the Senate did not take up any matter in the agenda Tuesday but passed a resolution of condolence to the family of the late senator.
Tolentino held the Senate Presidency from 1965 to 1966 and was a member of Senate from 1957 to 1972.
Drilon also described Tolentino as a self-made man who became one of the best leaders of the pre-Martial Law Philippine Congress.
Sen. Rodolfo Biazon, for his part, called Tolentino as one of the best constitutionalists of the land.
"He helped me brought back to earth, by reminding me of the bills that I am filling. He's a loss. No one can replace him," Biazon said in an interview.
Sen. Ramon Magsaysay Jr., on the other hand, said Tolentino was not just a brilliant legislator but a highly principled man.
"Devoted husband and father, uncompromising public servant, distinguished writer and author, nationalist, respected diplomat, Ka Turing is the embodiment of a true statesman," Magsaysay added. JPM
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