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MANILA, Philippines – Heherson “Sonny” Alvarez was always known for being a fighter. As a human rights activist, she was among those who opposed the Marcos dictatorship.
He took hugs for the environment and tried to serve, in various capacities in government, whether he was appointed by the president or elected by the people.
Álvarez died on Monday, April 20, after a nearly month-long battle with COVID-19. He was 80 years old.
In the Senate building in Pasay City, the Philippine flag flew at half-staff to mourn her passing. Colleagues, friends, and the people he had inspired paid tribute to him.
Read their full statements below:
Malacañang
The Palace expresses its deepest condolences to the family, led by his wife Cecile, friends, colleagues of Senator Heherson “Sonny” Alvarez.
Senator Álvarez had a distinguished record as a public servant. He served the government for more than forty years as a constitutional delegate, freedom fighter, legislator, and former cabinet member.
We pray that perpetual light will shine on Senator Sonny, and that his soul, by the mercy of the Almighty, rest in eternal peace.
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto
Manong Sonny was a colleague in the House of Representatives during the 11th Congress.
He made policies, defended them on the floor, and questioned in plenary with the skill of an experienced MP and the undiminished passion of a patriot.
He had the gift of gab and the wisdom that came with it.
Always had a soft heart so common CAT and he spent a lifetime defending his rights and freedoms, and paying dearly for the value of his convictions.
He spent his last years representing a client, Mother Earth, so that our grandchildren have clean air, safe water, and blue skies. He was no longer a politician with the next election in mind, but a statesman concerned with the next generation.
Federation of Free Workers, through its president, Sonny Matula
To Cecile Alvarez and his family:
At the Federation of Free Workers, we extend our sincerest sympathy for the disappearance of former Senator Sonny Alvarez.
Trade unionists remember him as a human rights lawyer and freedom fighter. Senator Álvarez actively participated in the social democratic movement during the fight against Marcos.
He was one of the youngest constitutional delegates in 1971, one of the few who opposed the dictatorship and refused to sign the Constitution issued by Marcos. May time heal the sadness you feel with the loss of your husband.
During these times of deep difficulty, know that it is in our thoughts and prayers. Tanggapin po ninyo ang aming taos-pusong pakikiramay.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian (via Twitter)
My condolences to the former senator’s family. Heherson Alvarez. Senator Álvarez pushed for the protection of the environment during his term in the @senatePH. Your contributions to the country will never be forgotten.
Former representative of the Kabataan party list Raymond Palatino (via Twitter)
RIP Senator Heherson Alvarez, anti-Marcos activist, legislator and defender of the environment. He also helped promote the Kabataan Partylist in 2003 and 2004. @KabataanPL
European delegation in the Philippines (via Twitter)
The EU Delegation to the Philippines expresses its condolences and condolences to Ms. Cecile Guidote-Alvarez and to the family of the late former Senator Heherson Alvarez.
As a former head of the Climate Change Commission, Alvarez will be remembered for his work on the environment.
– Rappler.com
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