DND: Ex-AFP chief Rodolfo Biazon icon of patriotism, integrity

Biazon was diagnosed with lung cancer in July 2022. This year, he caught pneumonia twice, the second more serious than the first which had further weakened his lungs. (PNA file photo)

MANILA – The Department of National Defense (DND) extended its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff and lawmaker Rodolfo Biazon, who passed away at the age of 88 on Monday morning.

In a Facebook post, Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon said his father succumbed to pneumonia at 8:30 a.m.

“Sen. Biazon’s illustrious career spanned his active service in the military as an officer in the Philippine Marine Corps, and later entering public service as a member of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Throughout his decades-long service to the Filipino nation, Sen. Biazon embodied patriotism, integrity, and commitment to the protection of the country’s freedom and its democratic institutions,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

Biazon was diagnosed with lung cancer in July 2022. This year, he caught pneumonia twice, the second more serious than the first which had further weakened his lungs.

“He courageously fought his last battle like a Marine would, but it is the Lord’s will which prevails,” the younger Biazon posted.

Biazon, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1961, was born on April 14, 1935, in Batac, Ilocos Norte.

Before being appointed as the 21st AFP chief from Jan. 24 to April 12, 1991 under the administration of the late President Corazon C. Aquino, Biazon served as AFP vice chief of staff from 1990 to 1991, Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) commandant from 1987 to 1989 and PMA superintendent from 1986 to 1987.

He was the first PMC member to be appointed as AFP chief.

Biazon also served as senator from June 30, 1992 to June 30, 1995 and from June 30, 1998 to June 30, 2010, and as Muntinlupa representative from June 30, 2010 to June 30, 2016.

“Sen. Biazon leaves a legacy worthy of emulation by current and future generations of Filipinos. May God grant him eternal rest,” Andolong said.

The AFP also paid tribute to its late chief.

“Gen. Biazon played a pivotal role in defending the country’s democracy and upholding the integrity of our armed forces. His commitment to public service extended into his political career, serving as a senator who championed key legislations that advocated for the welfare of our countrymen,” AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said in a statement.

He added that Biazon’s leadership and integrity will continue to inspire future generations of servicemen and public servants.

“The AFP shall provide appropriate military honors to the late Gen. Biazon in recognition of his legacy and sacrifices as a soldier and head of the military,” Aguilar said.

‘Model citizen, brave soul’

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez also mourned the passing of Biazon, describing him as “brave soul”  who was “summoned back to God’s army on a day that we Filipinos associate with bravery.”

“That is a fitting tribute to Pong Biazon by the Almighty, telling us to emulate the great Filipino that he was,” Romualdez said in a statement.

He said Biazon should be acknowledged for his inspiring and selfless service to the nation, and for being a model citizen.

Romualdez also hailed Biazon for his long body of work as a legislator.

Biazon’s filed measures that became laws include Republic Act (RA) 9208, Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act; RA 9161, reforming the renting industry; RA 7835, Comprehensive and Integrated Shelter Finance Act; RA 7898, An Act providing for the Modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; RA 7742, amending the mandatory membership to the Pag-IBIG Fund; RA 7901, creation of Caraga (Region XIII); and RA 7889, establishing the University of the Philippines Mindanao.

Also pursued by Biazon were Joint Resolution No. 7, increasing the subsistence allowance of soldiers and policemen; RA 8763, amending the Home Guarantee Corporation Act; RA 9040, tax exemption of allowances and benefits for members of the AFP; RA 9049, granting monthly gratuity and privileges to awarded of the Medal of Valor; and RA 10354, or the Reproductive Health Act.

“Saludo kami sa iyo (We salute you), General. You’re one of a kind,” Romualdez said.

Fellow lawmakers’ tribute

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said Biazon brought the same military discipline and commitment to the Senate and to every aspect of his life as a public servant.

“I am grateful for the time that we spent in the Senate together and I am glad we had one last chance to reconnect with him last November, when he attended the Senate reunion. He was as bright and astute as ever, and a fountain of guidance and wisdom for those of us currently in the Senate,” Zubiri said in a statement.

Senator Rissa Hontiveros said Biazon “always answered the call of duty even when he was no longer in office” and was a steady source of strength for women and women’s advocates in the fight for the passage of the Reproductive Health Law.

“Regarded as macho due to his military background, he challenged stereotypes to stand not just for, but with women,” Hontiveros said in another statement.

Senator Grace Poe said the country lost an exemplar soldier and solon.

“His valuable work in fortifying the military institution and in lawmaking will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in these trying times,” Poe stated.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada said their former colleague during the 13th and 14th Congresses witnessed firsthand Biazon’s “unparalleled passion for public service and unwavering advocacy for low-cost housing and increased benefits for our soldiers. His wisdom, experience, and exemplary work ethic were always evident, making him an invaluable asset to our institution and a true inspiration to us all.” (With reports from Jose Cielito Reganit, Leonal Abasola/PNA)