STATEMENT OF AKBAYAN SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS ON THE PASSING OF CONGRESSWOMAN DINA ABAD

It is with a tearful heart that we mourn the passing of Congresswoman Henedina "Dina" Abad last night. The Lady from Batanes was a seasoned community organizer, a founding member of the social democratic movement in the Philippines, the former Dean of the Ateneo School of Government, and most of all, a defender of good governance, human rights, transparency, and accountability.

Our condolences, prayers and embraces go out to the Abad family, especially her loving husband, former Secretary Butch Abad, and to the people of Batanes, the district Congresswoman Dina served with so much care. We stand with you in fellowship and solidarity.

Paalam Dina, at salamat sa pagmamahal mo sa amin, at sa bayan.