STATEMENT OF SENATOR RICHARD J. GORDON ON THE PASSING OF SENATOR TESSIE AQUINO - ORETA

It is with profound sadness that my wife, Kate, and I join the country in mourning the loss of Senator Tessie Aquino - Oreta. The country lost a dedicated public servant who was also an advocate of education and employment.

Not only did we share the same passion for promoting the welfare of our country's teachers because of our belief that having good teachers is the key to a better future for our country, but Tessie was also a very close friend to us.

We extend our deepest condolences to her bereaved family and our prayer that they may find solace in their time of grief. Tessie may have gone ahead of us but she will always be remembered for the great legacy she left behind.