Former senator John Henry Osmeña, who had championed the cause of the sugar industry in the Senate, passed away on Tuesday, February 2.
The death of Osmeña, 86, at his residence in Cebu City Tuesday afternoon was confirmed by his sister Annie Osmeña-Aboitiz today, February 3.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said that the province of Negros Occidental joins the entire Filipino nation in mourning the loss of Osmeña.
“He was a dedicated public servant, whose service to the country spanned several decades. His advocacies on energy, sports, and anti-graft made him a remarkable legislator, and should serve as an inspiration to everyone in government service,” the governor said.
“In behalf of the people of Negros Occidental, I offer my sincerest condolences to the people of Cebu and the Osmeña family for this monumental loss,” he added.
Manuel Lamata, president of the United Sugar Producers Federation of the Philippines, said Osmeña was a stalwart defender of the sugar industry.
“UNIFED would like to condole and pray for the passing of senator Osmeña…We will miss him,” Lamata said.
Enrique Rojas, president of the National Federation of Sugarcane Planters, said he is deeply saddened by the passing away of Osmeña who was a close friend and business associate.
“During his tenure as senator, he always welcomed us and helped us all the time when we approach him for help regarding problems in the sugar industry,” Rojas said.
Osmeña had served the country with passion and dedication as a mayor, congressman and senator for several terms, he added.
“We console with his family and I believe that the government should give him all the honor that he deserves,” Rojas said.
In July 2020, the former lawmaker tested positive for COVID-19 but soon recovered.
He was the grandson of the late President Sergio Osmeña Sr. and was forced into exile in the United States during the Marcos dictatorship.*