Former President Joseph Estrada and ex-Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile led previous and current members of the Senate in paying tribute to the late senator and former Cebu governor Rene Espina on Wednesday.

Espina passed away last Friday at the age of 89 due to kidney complications.

A necrological service was held at the Senate plenary was attended by Estrada, Enrile and former Sen. Francisco Tatad.

Incumbent Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and Sen. Imee Marcos delivered their eulogies during the service.

They also presented Senate Resolution 135 to the family in honor of Espina’s service in government.

“He was a serious-minded person with uncompromising attitude and always mindful of the rule of law, he was actively involved not only in public service but also in civic work, thus, he was conferred the Golden Rooster Award for his outstanding social work and various special awards for civic work,” the resolution read.

Espina was remembered as a lawmaker, governor, cabinet secretary, administrator, lawyer host and columnist.

Last Monday, senators have skipped one session day in honor of Espina. The flag was also at half-mast as a symbol of mourning.

During the session on Tuesday, Sotto recalled Espina as one of the law top-notchers during his time.

One of his notatble authored legislation was the first anti-drug law in the country which was crafted in 1972. It was the pioneer law of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 which was principally authored by Sotto.

In response, Eric Miguel Espina thanked the chamber for honoring his father.