An emotional tribute was paid by the former colleagues of the late Ernesto “Boy” Herrera who passed away on October 29 due to cardiac arrest.
Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto was holding back tears as he read his eulogy during a necrological service which took place this Wednesday- “An extraordinary man who lived in extraordinary times, he was my seatmate for six years in the 9th and 10th Congress. Herrera of Cebu and Bohol, of the Senate, of labor, the Mabini of our generation. In the possession of power and honor, he did not speak of humility, he was simply humble.”
Former Senator Ernoesto Maceda also referred to Herrera as a modern Mabini- “I like to say to Boy, we are of course suffering a great feeling of loss like your family and we only hope that as the modern Apolinario Mabini, there will be many others to follow in your footsteps. Rest well, Boy Herrera, rest in peace. Thank you again and goodbye,”
Former Senator Joey Lina also paralleled Herrera to Mabini- “Just like the sublime paralytic, Apolinario Mabini, Senator Herrera used his intellectual prowess to serve the interest of our country.”
Meanwhile, Senator Sonny Angara delivered the eulogy of his father, former Senator Edgardo Angara- “Boy Herrera’s drive and enthusiasm was undiminished by his physical handicap since he contracted polio in his youth. He achieved far more than his able-bodied counterparts and he lived a life of singular purpose. He remains an inspiration to us all.”