Press Statement of Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph G. Recto

On the death of former Senator Heherson Alvarez:

Manong Sonny was a colleague in the House of Representatives during the 11th Congress.

He crafted policies, defended these on the floor and interpellated in plenary with the skill of a seasoned parliamentarian and the undiminished passion of a patriot.

He had the gift of gab and the wisdom that went with it.

He always had a soft heart for the common tao and spent a lifetime championing their rights and freedoms, and at one time paying dearly for the courage of his convictions.

He spent his last years representing one client - Mother Earth - so that our grandchildren will have clean air, safe water, blue skies. He was no longer a politician with the next election in mind, but a statesman concerned about the next generation.