ALWAYS BECKONING TO the clarion call of public service, Renito “Rene” A.V. Saguisag, a human rights lawyer and former Senator of the Republic, passed away this April 24 at the age of 84. He was widely recognized for his outstanding contributions to public service and his steadfast resolve to protect and promote human rights.
Saguisag was a true inspiration for the Bedan community and the voice for the voiceless during his tenure as a solon. His unwavering dedication to fighting for the rights of society’s underprivileged and voiceless sections earned him widespread respect and admiration.
A Bedan through and through
During his time in what was still then San Beda College as a student, he served as the Editor-in-Chief of The Bedan from 1961 to 1962. Prior to that, he was a sports columnist at his other alma mater Rizal High School’s publication, “The Rizalian.”
In a documentary produced by renowned filmmaker Adjani Arumpac to celebrate The Bedan‘s 75th anniversary back in 2017, the late senator reminisced about his fondest memory of being classmates with a staffer from The Bedan. Talking about their shared passion for sports, the conversation took an interesting turn when the staffer asked a question that would change Saguisag’s life in San Beda: “Why don’t you write for The Bedan?” He soon would submit a sports article for his application to the publication.
He graduated from San Beda with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1959. He returned to his alma mater for his law degree shortly, thereafter, ultimately becoming The Bedan’s Editor-in-Chief for Volume 19—succeeding another future former senator, Raul Roco. Later in 1963, Saguisag graduated with flying colors, cum laude, and would later place sixth at the same year’s Bar Examinations.
Saguisag also taught Constitutional Law and Human Rights Law at San Beda Manila and San Beda College Alabang (SBCA).
He has also received prestigious awards from the University, such as the “Bedan of the Century” award in 2001 and the Outstanding Golden Jubilarian for the College of Law Class of 1963 in November 2013.
A man of his word and a Senator for the voiceless
From 1963 to 1972, during the imposition of martial law in the Philippines, Saguisag practiced law by serving as a human rights lawyer, eventually becoming one of the major figures of the opposition against the regime. Even though he was imprisoned then, he was still able to participate in the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) founded by the late senators Jose W. Diokno and Lorenzo M. Tañada.
After the 1986 People Power EDSA Revolution, the late President Corazon “Cory” Aquino appointed Saguisag as her spokesman. He ran for the Senate in 1987 under the Liberal Party (LP) and would later serve as a Senator of the Philippines from June 30, 1987, to June 30, 1992, after placing ninth in the polls. Truly is a man of his word, he only ran for one term as he promised.
During his tenure, he also served as Chairman of the Committee on Ethics and Privileges. Saguisag also served on the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant as part of the ad hoc committee.
Moreover, he and his uncle, former Senate President Jovito “Jovy” Salonga, were also the primary authors of Republic Act (RA) No. 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which mandated that public servants must remain accountable and work with integrity. In addition to that he is also the primary author of RA 6770, the Ombudsman Act of 1989.
It is also worth noting that the former senator was also known for his unwavering attendance in Senate sessions. He holds an impressive record of being present in all 415 session days from July 1987 to June 1990. His dedication to duty and responsibility inspires everyone who values hard work and commitment to public service.
Contributions after politics
As evidence of his enduring passion, he became a columnist for The Manila Times after his Senate stint, consistently delivering insightful and thought-provoking pieces to his readers. His latest column, published on November 26, 2021, showcased his dedication to his craft and the betterment of society through the power of words.
Following his departure from public office, he returned to practice law and became the defense lawyer for former President Joseph Estrada in his high-profile corruption case.
From the same documentary to commemorate The Bedan’s 75th anniversary, Saguisag said that “integrity is like a muscle” that must be exercised and shouldn’t be selective, but instead “[not be] compromising.”
Truly, he has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the people he represented. His legacy continues to inspire and guide those who share that same vision of his in the pursuit of fairer journalism and society.