LP President Drilon pays tribute to Max Soliven

Liberal Party President Franklin Drilon, former Senate President, today paid tribute to Philippine Star Publisher Max Soliven whom he described as one of the most durable and influential newspaperman the Philippines ever produced.

Soliven, who is also a columnist of the Philippine Star, died Friday morning in Tokyo, Japan from complications arising from pneumonia. He was on an official trip to Japan and was on the airport for a flight back to Manila when he collapsed.

"Aside from being an avid reader of his columns for more than four decades, Max Soliven was also my good neighbor and friend," Drilon said. "We will certainly miss the man and the writer."

"He is one of the best newspaperman this country ever produced who never hesitated to call a spade a spade. By the sheer strength and depth of his critical analysis and insights of local, national and international events, Max served as one of the most influential opinion makers in contemporary Philippines," Drilon said.

"The Liberal Party would like to offer its sincere condolences to his family, his orphaned newspaper, the Philippine Star, and the millions of newspaper readers who will now miss his column," Drilon added.