The Bell Has Rung: Rodolfo Biazon, Lawmaker and General Dies on Independence Day
Former senator and decorated general Rodolfo "Pong" Biazon, who was an instrumental figure in the restoration of post-EDSA democracy, passed away on Monday, June 12, 2023. He was 88 years old.
"It is with deep sadness that we announce that the bell has rung and the last Taps has been sung for General Rodolfo Gaspar Biazon, former AFP Chief of Staff, member of the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives," Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon, his son, said in a statement. "It is perfectly fitting that today, Independence Day, at around 8:30 a.m., the soldier who dedicated his life and laid it on the line in defending freedom and democracy, has been set free from the pains of this world."
According to Ruffy Biazon, the Biazon patriarch had been confined in the hospital since May 21 due to pneumonia. In July 2022, he had been diagnosed with lung cancer, as well.
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Born on April 14, 1935, Biazon had a distinguished military career before entering politics. He served as a general in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and held various positions. During former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino’s administration, he served as chief of staff. The elder Biazon had prevented coup attempts in 1987 and 1989, too.
Biazon was elected Senator in 1992, serving until 1995 and again from 1998 to 2010. In the Senate, he was a productive lawmaker. He became chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security and Committee on Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement.
The retired general also held positions like the vice chair of the Committees on Agriculture and Food and Foreign Relations and others. Biazon also served as president of the Asian Regional Council Global Parliamentarians on Habitat and vice president for Asia Global Parliamentarians on Habitat.
His son added: "From our mother Monchie, my sister Richie and brother Rino, along with the daughters-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren of Pong Biazon, we thank everyone who have given their support, love and friendship to Papa during his active years and in the twilight of his life."
