The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) conveyed its condolences to the family of former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. who died early Sunday morning.

In a statement, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said Pimentel’s demise is a “major loss” for the country.

“On behalf of the men and women of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr.,” Galvez said.

“The passing of Senator Pimentel is a major loss for our nation. But his vision, dedication and love for our country will forever be etched in our hearts and minds,” he added.

Pimentel passed away at around 5 a.m., Sunday, after battling with lymphoma or cancer of the immune system. He was 85.

Galvez said Pimentel will always be remembered for dedicating his life as a true statesman and public servant.

“Senator Pimentel was a statesman and a public servant in the genuine sense. He dedicated his entire career in government to rally the cause of the marginalized, underserved sectors of the country,” he said.

Pimentel was Senate President from November 2000 to July 2001.

As a legislator, Pimentel was acknowledged for his contributions to the passage of RA 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1971; RA 6734 or the Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM); RA 6847 or the Philippine Sports Commission Act; RA 6938 or the Cooperative Code of the Philippines; and, RA 7076 or the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act.

Galvez recognized Pimentel as a “fearless champion of democracy who took to the streets to fight for rights and freedom of the Filipino people.”

He also acknowledged the late lawmaker’s contributions to empower local officials in the country and introduce transparent governance practices through RA 7160.

The presidential peace adviser was also thankful for Pimentel’s support for the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which created the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), in place of the now-defunct ARMM.

Galvez also honored Pimentel for being a member of the Consultative Committee that drafted the proposed federal charter, which seeks to amend the 1987 Constitution to pave the way for a federal form of government.

“He will also be remembered for his push for a federal form of government, which for him, would bring more inclusive growth and development to the country. Despite his failing health, the welfare of his fellow Filipinos remained his primary concern,” Galvez said. (PNA)