12/05/2026
Twenty-five years may have passed since you left us, but your spirit continues to live in every life you touched. You gave so much of yourself to our family, to your friends, to your constituents, and especially to me. Everything you did was rooted in hope — hope for a better future, not only for those you loved, but for every Filipino.
That is what makes a true hero: a man deeply loved and cherished by all, who gave his all until his very last breath.
You spent your life giving the world to others, asking for nothing in return except that we live meaningful lives and continue the dreams you fought for. And perhaps that alone is enough to make you smile down on us from heaven.
I dream of one day having the means to make you proud — to help build the future you envisioned for every Filipino, and to give back even a fraction of everything you worked so hard to provide.
You were an incredible father, a loyal friend, a devoted relative, a principled politician, and above all, an extraordinary human being. There is no one quite like you, because in every role you carried, you always gave your whole heart. That is why, to us, you will always be the best.
Every day I wake up with pride and gratitude for the sacrifices you made. And every day, I wish you were still here. Your guidance, your compassion, and your humility could still have changed so much for our country. You fought for social justice until the very end, and your legacy continues to inspire us.
The lives on — no longer only in presence, but forever in spirit and in the hearts of the people whose lives you changed.
You will never be forgotten, Papa.
Love you always and forever 💙