Statement of Senate President Franklin M. Drilon on the passing of Democrito Mendoza, TUCP Founder and Champion of Philippine Labor

It is with sadness that I join the whole nation in grieving the loss of a friend and respected colleague, Democrito Mendoza, co-founder of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines and a pillar of the Filipino labor movement.

Democrito Mendoza will be remembered as a principled and relentless champion of the Filipino working class, which he faithfully served throughout his long career as a labor leader and lawyer.

Me and Kito Mendoza go way back, when I was in private law practice and during my tenure as Secretary of the Department of Labor. I was witness to his courage and determination in fighting for the rights and interests of millions of our workers. His contributions to the advancement of the Philippine labor movement are legendary.

I am proud to have once worked with such an upstanding individual in helping improve the lives of workers across this nation. While we will miss him, Kito Mendoza's words and deeds will remain an inspiration to all of us.