Statement of Senator Loren Legarda on the Passing of Former Senate President Edgardo J. Angara

The passing of Former Senate President Ed Angara marks the end of an era.

He had an illustrious and unparalleled career in academe, law and politics. A trailblazer, he pioneered various pursuits, including the establishment of the ACCRA law firm, one of the most respected legal institutions in the country.

He headed the University of the Philippines during a difficult time. When he was Senate President, he forged an excellent working relationship with the Ramos administration.

We had shared advocacies on education, agriculture, culture and heritage, environment, among many causes.

Ed was a great Filipino statesman and leader whom I had the privilege and honor of working closely with for causes bigger than ourselves.

He embraced public service as a badge of honor, and worked tirelessly so that national interest reigned paramount over parochial concerns.

Indeed, today is a sad day for the Senate, his second home, and for the Filipino people whom he served so well till his dying breath. We lost a great man, a visionary, an indefatigable worker, esteemed public servant, deep thinker, one of the Philippines’ most brilliant minds, a dear friend.

Ed, may you Rest In Peace. My sincerest condolences to Sen. Sonny Angara and the whole family.