Dy hails late ex-solon Raul Daza: He stood firm for democracy

MANILA, Philippines — House of Representatives Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III has sent his condolences to the family of former Northern Samar Rep. Raul Daza who passed away recently, calling the former lawmaker as a politician who stood firmly for democracy.

In a statement on Friday, Dy said the entire House is mourning the death of Daza, who according to his family passed away at the age of 91.

READ: Ex-Northern Samar solon Raul Daza passes away, family confirms

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Daza served the House for seven terms between 1969 and 2019, at one point being elected as a Speaker Pro Tempore, which in current parlance refers to a Deputy Speaker.

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“Nakikiisa ang buong Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan sa pagluluksa dahil sa pagpanaw ni dating Speaker Pro Tempore Raul A. Daza, isang iginagalang na mambabatas at tapat na lingkod-bayan,” Dy said.

(The entire House of Representatives joins in mourning the passing of former Speaker Pro Tempore Raul A. Daza, a respected lawmaker and an honest public servant.)

“Sa mahigit limang dekada ng paglilingkod, kabilang ang pitong termino sa Kamara at tatlong termino bilang Gobernador ng Northern Samar, ipinakita niya ang kanyang malasakit sa kapwa at matibay na paninindigan para sa demokrasya, katarungan, at kapakanan ng sambayanang Pilipino,” he added.

(In his more than five decades of service, including seven terms in the House and three terms as Northern Samar governor, he was able to show how he cared for the people and a strong resolve to fight for democracy, justice, and the Filipino people’s welfare.)

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Dy thanked the former lawmaker for his service to the public, and to the House as well.

“Sa ngalan ng buong Kapulungan, ipinaaabot ko ang aming taos-pusong pakikiramay sa kanyang pamilya, mga kaibigan, mga mahal sa buhay, at sa mga mamamayan ng Northern Samar,” he said.

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(On behalf of the entire House, I extend our wholehearted condolences to the family, friends, loved ones, and the people of Northern Samar.)

“Maraming salamat po, Congressman Raul Daza, sa inyong tapat at makabuluhang paglilingkod sa bayan. Nawa’y makamtam ninyo ang walang hanggang kapayapaan sa piling ng ating Panginoon,” he added.

(Thank you very much, Congressman Raul Daza, for your honest and meaningful service to the people.  I hope you attain everlasting peace in the hands of the Almighty.)

On Thursday night, Daza’s family announced his passing. 

According to his family, Daza will leave a “legacy of integrity, courage, humility, empathy and commitment to democracy” as he not only excelled in his fields of interests — being a bar topnotcher and a certified public accountant — but fought for democracy during some of the country’s darkest times.

Daza was a member of the Liberal Party (LP) for 61 years, and became one of the lawmakers who questioned the martial law declaration of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., including the decision to abolish Congress.

He then went into self-exile after Marcos issued arrest orders for him and other lawmakers, flying to the United States — where he continued the fight against the dictatorship in California.

“A steadfast defender of democracy, justice, and the rule of law, he stood firm in his convictions through the martial law years and political exile. He was a member of the Liberal Party for 61 years, beginning in 1965, and served as its President from 1994 to 1998. He later chaired the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats,” Daza’s family said.

“He was a man who genuinely put himself in the shoes of others.  We will miss him dearly but his life and principles will continue to guide and inspire our families and future generations.  We express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has extended their prayers, condolences and support during this difficult time,” he added.

Two years after democracy icon and former Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. was martyred at the Manila International Airport on August 21, 1983, Daza returned to the Philippines, and became a silent but important figure in preparing the LP for the 1986 elections.

READ: Raul A. Daza, forever a Liberal

After the Edsa People Power Revolution, Daza held different posts in the government, being a Deputy Minister of the Presidential Commission on Good Government and Commissioner of the Presidential Commission on Constitutional Reforms.

Daza’s grandson, Niko Raul Daza, is currently the representative of Northern Samar’s first district.  Prior to the incumbent lawmaker, the post was held by Daza’s son, former Rep. Paul Daza.

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The Philippine flag in front of the Batasang Pambansa’s plenary hall was placed at half-mast on Thursday noon in remembrance of Daza’s life. /jpv