Pimentel, who voted vs US bases extension, passes away at 85

October 20, 2019

Former Senate President Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel Jr., one of the 12 senators who voted against extending the stay of US bases in the Philippines in 1991,  passed away on Sunday at age of 85, his family said.


His daughter, Commission on Human Rights Commissioner Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana, told dzBB her father died around 5 am after long combat with lymphoma and pneumonia.


"It happened so fast. He was still able to talk to us. We were telling him that we love him," Gana said.


"We are asking for prayers that he may have eternal rest. We would also like to thank  those who prayed for his recovery," she added.


Gana explained that her father had cancer but he also contracted pneumonia. "(His cause of death) was due to organ failure," she said.


He is survived by his wife, Lourdes, and six children.


In a Facebook post, Senator Koko Pimentel said: '' We thank all those who have been a part of his life. We ask for prayers for the repose of Tatay Nene’s soul. Thank you to all."


Pimentel, an opposition figure throughout martial law, was jailed after President Ferdinand Marcos imposed it. In 1986 after Marcos and his associates fled, President Corazon Aquino named Pimentel secretary of the interior and local governments. B


In 1987, Pimentel quit to run for the Senate where he served three terms until 2010.


Among the 12 senators who voted against renewing the US bases agreement were Senate President Jovito Salonga, Agapito Aquino, Juan Ponce Enrile, Joseph Estrada, Teofisto Guingona Jr., Sotero Laurel, Ernesto Maceda, Orly Mercado, Rene Saguisag and Wigberto Tanada.


One of Pimentel's key pieces of legislation was the Local Government Code, which allows towns, cities and provinces to run their own affairs, including setting tax rates. These local government units are also assured of a share in the national government's internal revenue allotment. 

In his Twitter account, Senator Pimentel said wake for his father will start Sunday 7 pm until October 22. Chapels 7.8 and 9, Heritage Memorial Park.

This will transfer to the Senate in the morning of October 23 before the body is flown to Cagayan de Oro where the wake is set on the afternoon of October 23 until October 25. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS