We mourn the passing of former Senator John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña at the age of 86 after recently battling cancer and suffering from the coronavirus disease.
A true public servant, Sonny Osmeña started his storied political career in Cebu as a councilor. He would eventually provide wider service to his constituents as a mayor and among its district representatives at the lower chamber of Congress.
Known as the “Lone Ranger”, he was drawn to national politics by his personal advocacy to fight for genuine democracy in the Philippines and better governance by eradicating graft and corruption. Undaunted by personal injuries that he sustained during the 1971 Plaza Miranda bombing, Senator Osmeña would join the Senate as one of its most respected members under multiple terms.
He is most known for having authored Republic Act No. 7638, or the Department of Energy Act of 1992, Republic Act No. 7648, or the Electric Power Crisis Act of 1993, and Republic Act No. 7718, or the amended Build-Operate-Transfer Law.
After long productive years of service in the Senate, Sonny returned to Toledo City, Cebu to serve as its local chief executive from 2013 to 2019.
As we honor the life of Senator Osmeña and commiserate with his loved ones, we pray that his soul may eternally rest in peace.
