Saying goodbye permanently to someone as special as tatay, someone you admire and love is a sad event.

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III could not help himself but let his tears flow as he gave their family’s response to his colleagues and friends in the Senate as they honored former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. for the last time yesterday.

The younger Pimentel thanked their colleagues for the kind words and a “homecoming” they gave Nene at the Senate, until he paused for a while and allowed the tears to flow.

“Saying goodbye permanently to someone as special as tatay, someone you admire and love is a sad event. We don’t want this to happen but it will happen, and it has happened. But that is life to cope and to console ourselves and celebrate the life of our beloved departed,” Koko said in his speech.

The elder Pimentel passed away last 20 October due to complications from lymphoma and pneumonia. His remains will be flown to his hometown in Cagayan de Oro City then it will be returned to Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City on 25 October.

Pimentel acknowledged those who considered themselves as adopted daughters and sons of his father who became a great mentor to former and current politicians.

“These past few days we have seen the outpouring of love to Tatay Nene, from the text messages we have received, the many articles written about him, the tributes aired by the TV stations, the resolution which have been passed by various organizations, the eulogies which have been delivered especially those delivered this morning as well as stories,” he said.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III has given his eulogy to the late Senate chief along with Nene’s former colleagues Honorable Jose D. Lina, Rene Saguisag, Anna Dominique Coseteng, Heherson Alvarez and Orly Mercado.

“Thank you for leaving your legacy that one can enter politics and still leave it with honor,” Sotto said.

“He had been a leading light of this chamber, not only in good times but more so during its trials and darkest moments,” he recalled.

The Senate also offered the song Just Let Me Cry, which was written by Nene’s wife Bing, before Senate Resolution 168 was presented expressing sympathy on the death of the former lawmaker.

The Senate Resolution 168 or the Resolution Expressing the Profound Sympathy and Sincere Condolences of the Senate on the Death of the Honorable Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr., Former Senate President and Father of the Local Government Code was given in honor of the elder Pimentel.

The tribute to Nene was attended by members of the Senate, former President Joseph Estrada, former Vice President Noli de Castro, former Senators Lorenzo Tañada, Rodolfo Biazon, John Osmeña and Commission on Elections Commissioner Rowena Guanzon.