SINABI ng Palasyo na nagdadalamhati ang buong bansa sa pagpanaw ni dating Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel, Jr.
“Today is a sad day for the nation. The Palace joins the Filipino people in mourning the demise of former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. and expressing condolences to his family, loved ones, colleagues and friends,” sabi ni Presidential Spokesperson at Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo.
Mismong si Senator Koko Pimentel ang nagkumpirma sa pagkamatay ng ama.
“Our people thank former Senator Pimentel for his long, fearless and principled track record of public service. He would forever be etched in our history as a giant among his peers who championed democracy and electoral reform and a visionary who espoused devolution of powers and strong local governance,” dagdag ni Panelo.
Idinagdag ni Panelo bilang kinikilala na Ama ng Local Government Code, isinulong ni Pimentel ang kapangyarihan ng lokal na pamahalaan.
“The Duterte Administration is grateful for the elder Pimentel for joining the current government in his capacity as one of the members of the Consultative Committee (ConCom) tasked by President Duterte to review the 1987 Constitution and draft a new charter that would pave the way for a federal form of government,” ayon pa kay Panelo.
“As we pay tribute and honor to this respected and courageous statesman, we fervently pray for the Almighty to grant Senator Nene eternal repose. May the perpetual light shine upon him,” sabi pa ni Panelo.
Sinabi naman ni Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles na kilala si Pimentel bilang tagapagtanggol ng demokrasya at karapatang pantao sa bansa.
“We mourn the passing of a champion of democracy and human rights, but we should all be comforted with the thought that Manong Nene’s accomplishments as public servant will continue to guide and inspire us and the many generations to come,” sabi ni Nograles.