[Freeman] After the shock, a sense of loss
Freeman
July 12, 1999
By ANGIE S. TUÑACAO Staff Member
CEBUANOS mourned not only the loss of a great leader but a model of
integrity.
After the initial shock that followed news of the death of former Senate
President Marcelo B. Fernan, Cebuano leaders took turns expressing their
sense of loss.
Deputy Speaker Eduardo R. Gullas said, “the Senate lost a great leader, the
country is orphaned of a dedicated public servant.”
Governor Pablo P. Garcia exalted the memory of Fernan saying “he brought
honor and prestige to the Cebuano when he occupied the highest positions in
the country as chief justice and Senate president.”
Nenita Cortes-Daluz, Fernan’s former colleague in the Batasang Pambansa,
said “sa pagkakaron, sa katarong ug kaligdong wala’y makatupong ( at this
time, no one can surpass his integrity ).”
Fernan was not only a model public servant but also an exemplary family man,
Msgr. Esteban Binghay said.
For his part, city prosecutor Primo C. Miro described Fernan as “an
inspiration of the Cebuanos.”
Fernan died of cardiac arrest yesterday afternoon at the Makati Medical
Center, where he had been confined for a lingering illness.
Cebuano senator Sergio Osmeña III said Fernan’s death came when people least
expected it, because they thought he would recover.
Osmeña said he tried to visit Fernan at the hospital but the latter’s family
refused to allow any visitors.
“Maybe he was too weak,” Osmeña said.
Gullas, who knew Fernan even as a member of the Cebu Jaycees, said “his
legacy of unquestioned integrity, fidelity to public service and Christian
leadership will be deeply missed by all Filipinos.”
Business leader Eriberto Emphasis likewise looked at Fernan as “one who can
provide moral guidance, one we will miss.”
But many hope that even after his death, Fernan will continue to be a model
to Cebuanos.
Gullas believes, “he will be a living example, despite his death, to the
youth of the land.”
And although the void left by Fernan’s death will be difficult to fill,
Emphasis said “surely there will be some people encouraged to emulate what
he has done for Cebu and the country.”
According to Emphasis, it may take another generation for Cebu to have
someone as exemplary as Fernan, while Daluz hopes Fernan could serve as an
inspiration to the youth.
As a tribute to his achievements, Binghay said “Fernan fought a good fight
till the end. Now he gets the crown of everlasting glory. May God who judges
not what we start but what we finish give him peace. May he rest in peace.”
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