Filipino Coup Buster Rodolfo Biazon Dead at 88

From General to Statesman

During his role as commander of forces within Manila, he remained loyal to Aquino's government and played a decisive role in crushing the military coup attempt against her in 1989.

Biazon was thrust into the leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), becoming its vice chief of staff in 1990 and chief of staff in 1991, the only one so far coming from the Philippine Marines.

During his military career, he received 26 personal and campaign medals, including the Distinguished Service Star, Gold Cross Medal, Outstanding Achievement Medal, and Bronze Cross Medal.

Upon retiring from military service, Biazon entered politics as a senator from 1992 to 1995 and from 1998 to 2010. He then represented the Manila suburb city of Muntinlupa in the House of Representatives from 2010 to 2016.

During his time in office, he championed the concerns regarding national defense and security, as well as in urban planning, housing, and resettlement. One of the laws he authored was Republic Act 7898, or the AFP Modernization Act of 1995.

A Statesman's Fitting Farewell

The Philippine Department of National Defense released a statement saying Biazon left "a legacy worthy of emulation by current and future generations of Filipinos."

"Throughout his decades-long service to the Filipino nation, Senator Biazon embodied patriotism, integrity, and commitment to the protection of the country's freedom and its democratic institutions," it added.

The AFP also honored its former chief of staff for his "pivotal role" during the 1989 coup attempt. "General Biazon played a pivotal role in defending the country's democracy and upholding the integrity of our armed forces," said AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar. "His commitment to public service extended into his political career, serving as a senator who championed key legislations that advocated for the welfare of our countrymen."

Colleagues from both houses of the Philippine Congress also remembered Biazon. In a statement, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said Biazon's death on June 12 was "a fitting tribute...by the Almighty." Meanwhile, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri lamented Biazon's passing as "a bittersweet Independence Day" and called him "one of [the] staunchest defenders of the peace and democracy that we are enjoying today."

Progressive-leaning legislators particularly paid tribute to Biazon for upholding Philippine sovereignty against Chinese aggression, particularly in the South China Sea. Albay representative Edcel Lagman lauded him for "his firm stand against China's incursion in the West Philippine Sea," while senator Risa Hontiveros commended his call on the country's authorities "to take a united position against China."

"Time and again, when he saw that our nation was in peril, he stepped out from his private life and gave us public servants clarity and a sense of direction," she added.

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Philippines