CO-SPONSORSHIP ON THE RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE, LEGACY, AND OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS OF RENE CLERT “BOBET” BATERBONIA

Mr. President, my distinguished colleagues,

I rise to co-sponsor the proposed Senate Resolution honoring the life, legacy, and outstanding contributions of Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia. Maraming salamat po sa aking colleague, Sen. Robinhood Padilla for sponsoring this Resolution that I truly believe in.

Mr. President, ang kwento ni Bobet ay kwento ng maraming Pilipino—isang batang nangarap na maiahon ang kanyang pamilya sa kahirapan. Isang batang naniwalang sa sipag, tiyaga, disiplina, at malinis na paraan, maaaring mabago ang iyong kinabukasan.

As a mother with a son, I was truly touched by the story of this young man. Bobet’s story is the story of countless Filipinos who continue to fight fairly despite the limitations life has placed before them. He proved that success is not determined by where you come from, but by the values you uphold, the sacrifices you make, and the determination to keep moving forward everyday.

That is why the loss of Bobet is truly heartbreaking. It is more than a loss of life but a true disappointment because it was an inspiring life but shortened. It shows that sometimes, regardless of how fair that fight for success was fought — regardless of how honest and honorable his journey was — justice may still seems out of reach.

Para sa akin po, ang isang tunay na malaya at makatarungang lipunan, walang mayaman, walang mahirap. Walang makapangyarihan, walang mahina. Lahat ay pantay sa harap ng batas. Lahat ay may karapatang mangarap. At lahat ay may karapatang makamit ang katotohanan at hustisya.

This also reminds me of a life beautifully lived but justice and truth should not be selective but equal for all. Justice for Bobet is justice for every Filipino who believes that doing what is right should never become a disadvantage. It is justice for every child who dreams of lifting their family out of poverty. It is justice for every young athlete who believes that talent, discipline, and hard work should define their future.

But for now, I would simply like to honor the life of Rene “Bobet” Baterbonia. He was not just an amazing athlete but also an amazing son, brother, and friend. He is an inspiration not just for the athletes, for the young, but for every Filipino.

Ipinakita niya na hindi bawal ang mangarap at walang imposible. Sa kanyang ama na si Sir Rene at sa kanyang ina na si Ma’am Rovelyn, you have raised a fine son. Napakaganda po ng pagpapalaki ninyo sa kanya at Saludo po kami sainyo. Kitang kita po naming kung gaano kabuti ang inyong anak. Kahit po naging maiksi ang kaniyang buhay, naging makabuluhan naman po ito. Bobet, kung nasaan ka man, maraming salamat sa lahat ng ginawa mo sa larangan ng basketball, para sa iyong pamilya at para sa iyong kapwa at komunidad. Isa kang tunay na inspirasyon sa mga Kabataan at sa lahat ng mga Pilipino. Hindi ka naming malilimutan kailanman at nakikiisa kami sa iyong pamilya para mapatupad ang mga pangarap na naiwan mo.

Thank you, Mr. President.