PDP-Laban founder and former Senator Aquilino Pmentel Jr with his wife Lourdes “Bing” de la Llana during the inauguration of Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar Moreno on June 30, 2013. | Photo by Froilan Gallardo
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — The death of PDP-Laban founder and former Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr., on Sunday morning, October 20, 2019, saddened his townmates in this city even they remembered with gratitude his contribution to the country as a legislator who championed local governance.
His son, Senator Koko Pimentel III confirmed his father’s demise in his twitter post early on Sunday.
“Our beloved Tatay Nene has joined his Creator at 5 am today Oct 20, 2019. 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,” the young Pimentel posted.
The elder Pimentel, who died at a hospital in Metro Manila, was 85 years old.
Residents here began to fondly call the elder Pimentel as “Tatay Nene” after they witnessed how he suffered under the regime of the late former President Ferdinand Marcos.
Every morning residents would see him walk with his wife, Lourdes “Bing” Illana to the Immaculate Conception Church of Xavier University from their residence along Archbishop Hayes Street in Cagayan de Oro City.
The short walk would have been ordinary except that two or three armed soldiers escorted the couple to the chapel.
Going to Mass every day was a concession from the late President Marcos who jailed him along with other opposition leaders when Martial Law was declared on Sept. 21, 1972.
Pimentel was released after the People Power in 1986 that toppled the Marcos regime. He was appointed the minister of Interior and Local Government by the late President Corazon Aquino during the transition period following the fall of Marcos.
He was elected and served in the Philippine Senate where he authored the landmark Local Government Code of the Philippines or Republic Act 7160, devolving powers held by the national government to local government units.
In their Facebook reactions, Cagayan de Oro netizens expressed sadness over the passing of a well-loved townmate.
“Rest in peace Sen Tatay Nene Pimentel,” Jun Gregorio, a pianist of a local band, posted.
“We will fondly remember the good deeds he has shared with this city and the country,” Cagayan de Oro City Administrator Maria Dulce Tiro Pontentiano said.
“Thank you for service, Senator Nene,” Businessman Marriz Agbon said.
Barangay Gusa Chairman Marlon Tabac said the Pimentel family will bring home the remains of the late senator although they have yet to decide where to bury him./elb