Ipinaabot ng Malacañang ang pakikiramay sa pamilya ng namayapang dating senador na si Rene Espina.
Kaugnay nito, inalala ni Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo ang mga nagawa ni Espina na isang public servant noong nabubuhay pa ito.
“The Filipino people are indeed grateful for the long track record of public service Senator Espina gave to the nation,” ani Panelo. “May eternal rest grant to this faithful servant of the Lord, may perpetual light shine upon him, and may his soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”
Ang yumaong former senator ang siyang author ng unang anti-drug law ng bansa o ang Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972.
Naging governor ng Cebu si Espina mula 1963 hanggang 1969, naging kalihim ng Department of Public Works, Transportation, and Communication sa ilalim ng Marcos administration, at nagsilbing administrator ng Social Security System sa Macapagal administration sa edad lamang na 33.
Nitong Friday the 13th nang sumakabilang-buhay si Espina sa edad ns 89.
