MANILA – Former senator Heherson “Sonny” Alvarez has passed away after weeks of battling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). He was 80.
Hex Alvarez, son of the former senator, confirmed the passing of Sonny on Monday afternoon, a week after he underwent an experimental plasma infusion treatment.
Sonny served as senator from 1987 to 1998, where he focused on environmental laws. For 10 years, he headed the Senate committee on environment.
Following his Senate stint, Sonny became representative of his province, the 4th District of Isabela, from 1998 to 2001.
Among his pet bills were Clean Air Act and Protected Areas System Act.
Prior to his Senate stint, Sonny was appointed by the late President Corazon Aquino as the minister of agrarian reform.
While Sonny was unsuccessful with his bout against COVID-19, his wife Cecile Guidote-Alvarez has recovered from the virus since last week.
The 76-year-old Guidote-Alvarez, a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award for infusing culture in the performing arts, was already extubated and was breathing comfortably.
“In spite of her diabetes, hypertension and cancer, this Cecile Guidote Alvarez is really something else, per her doctor. Please continue praying for her full recovery,” Hex said./PN
