Many Filipinos were saddened this week to learn that the former chief of staff of their armed forces died this week at the age of 88. 

According to the Philippines' Inquirer, Gen. Rodolfo Gaspar Biazon played a role in safeguarding the nation's transition to democracy.

Biazon praised for "defending freedom and democracy"

He went on to become a senator, initially serving from 1992 to 1995. Biazon was elected again in 1998 and remained in office until 2010.

"It is with deep sadness that we announce that the bell has rung and the last Taps [have] been sung for General Rodolfo Gaspar Biazon," Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon was quoted as saying in a statement.

"It is perfectly fitting that today, Independence Day, the soldier who dedicated his life and laid it on the line defending freedom and democracy has been set free from the pains of this world," he added.

Tributes to Biazon quickly on social media, including from Philippines President Bongbong Marcos, who tweeted, "I join the entire nation in expressing my deepest condolences to the bereaved family of former Senator Rodolfo 'Pong' Biazon."

Senator remembered for showing "compassion and kindness"

"During his many years of government service, Senator Biazon distinguished himself among his peers by his brand of leadership and statesmanship, both as a military man and as a veteran lawmaker," Marcos added.

I join the entire nation in expressing my deepest condolences to the bereaved family of former Senator Rodolfo “Pong” Biazon.

During his many years of government service, Senator Biazon distinguished himself among his peers by his brand of leadership and statesmanship, both as…

— Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) June 13, 2023

Thank you for your service, Sen. Rodolfo Pong Biazon. Thank you for your serving proudly for our country. Thank you for your compassion and kindness as a mentor.

To Ruffy and the whole family, deepest condolences and prayers for strength. pic.twitter.com/1rZFcwhm7T

— Leah Navarro (@leahnavarro) June 12, 2023

"One of the heroes of our democratic journey"

Journalist Richard Heydarian praised Biazon for being a "brave, principled soldier-statesmen" who was "one of the heroes of our democratic journey."

Sen. Biazon was one of the heroes of our democratic journey! Thanks to brave, principled soldier-statesmen like him, we prevented a junta right after toppling a dictator! Thanks to @glendamgloria for her unparalleled journalism & this moving tribute 🇵🇭✊💜 https://t.co/Q2Pc9PGEjH

— Richard Heydarian (@Richeydarian) June 12, 2023

Meanwhile, Pilipino social media influencer Paolo Calalang said he was "really sad" about Biazon's passing and credited the lawmaker with asking him to pose for pictures inside his country's legislature.

Guess who asked me to do this pose inside the congress?

It was actually TATANG PONG BIAZON who convinced me and directed this photo.

“Mag pose ka jan para may picture ka na hindi ka pa Congressman at pagCongressman ka na anak.”

Really sad about the news this morning. 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/JrrJ6Qez8x

— Paolo Calalang (@paolo_calalang) June 12, 2023