Malacañang mourned the passing of Salonga and extended its condolences to his family. Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the elder statesman's death "challenges all who would seek election to live up to a life well lived as a patriot and citizen."



"With heads bowed in grief and respect, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Senator Jovito Salonga. His passing marks the departure from this life of another of those brave, committed individuals who lit a candle during the deep darkness of the dictatorship; and who contributed to the restoration of our democratic way of life after the triumph of People Power," Lacierda said.



"His life stands as a reproach to all those who would put personal gain ahead of public service; who would lower the standards of public discourse; and who would sacrifice human rights and the rule of law either for personal or partisan advantage. He joins the ranks of those who have made the position of senator of the Republic an honorable, and respectable, thing," he added.