Statements on the passing of Guam senator Pangelinan

Sen. Pangelinan

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Senator Ben Pangelinan. Ben was a dedicated public servant who worked diligently to improve our island. As a ten-term senator, and former speaker in the Guam legislature, he championed many issues for our families, and he fought for his convictions. He was a tireless advocate for Chamorro self-determination, and he was a careful steward of our public funds. I was honored to work with him throughout his career and will deeply miss his friendship.

“Our island has lost a great statesman and leader. I join the people of Guam in honoring Ben’s service to our island and remembering his many contributions to our community. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, and friends during this very difficult time.” (PR)

UoG joins mourning for Pangelinan’s passing
MANGILAO, Guam—The University of Guam joins the island in mourning the tremendous loss of former legislative speaker Ben Pangelinan, who worked tirelessly for the island and her people as a senator for over two decades. The well-respected leader and statesman was a strong advocate for higher education and the efforts of the university to fulfill its mission. He was also a dear friend to many in the UOG community who worked closely with him over the years.

UOG president Dr. Robert Underwood, who is currently traveling, expressed his sadness at the news. “Speaker Pangelinan was more than just a supporter of resources for the university, he was a champion of sound government finances and an intelligent force for positive change. I knew him for several decades and my admiration for his insights, tenacity and sense of service grew decade after decade. The island will miss his voice.”

The leadership at the University of Guam sends its deepest condolences to the family of Pangelinan and to his colleagues in the 32nd Guam Legislature. The university community is grateful for the commitment and dedication to Guam that Pangelinan has demonstrated over the years and will remember his legacy in public service. (UoG)

Statement by Democratic Party state chair
HAGÅTÑA, Guam—Sen. Rory Respicio, state chair of the Democratic Party, issued the following statement on the passing of Speaker Ben Pangelinan: “Speaker Ben was a true Democrat and a great senator. My condolences go out to Speaker Ben’s family during this most difficult time. As a colleague, Speaker Ben was always a great example to all of us of what it meant to be a public servant. He was a man of ideals and not ambition. He believed in helping working families and those in need. He always fought for what he felt was right, even if it was not popular at the time. With Speaker Ben’s passing, the Democratic Party has lost an outstanding leader, and our island community has lost a noble public servant.”

Statement by Democratic Party treasurer
Statement from Coy Torres, Treasurer of Democratic Party of Guam, on the passing of Speaker Vicente “Ben” Pangelinan: “My heart goes out Speaker Ben’s family on this sad occasion. Speaker Pangelinan was one of the great leaders of the Democratic Party and an inspiration to us all. He was a true man of the people.”

Guam Judiciary mourns Pangelinan
HAGÅTÑA, Guam—Chief Justice Robert J. Torres issued the following statement upon learning the news of the passing of the late Senator Ben Pangelinan: “Speaker Pangelinan will be remembered for his expertise and foresight in public finance and government operations. Through his career in the Legislature, he shaped public policy to favor transparency, openness, and equality. He is counted as an early and steadfast supporter for the independence and unification of the Judiciary of Guam. On behalf of the judicial officers and employees of the Judiciary of Guam, we extend our condolences to the Pangelinan family and his loved ones.” (PR)

Party vice chair Nerissa Bretania joins mourning
HAGÅTÑA, Guam—On the passing of former Speaker Ben Pangelinan, the vice chair of the Democratic Party, Nerissa Bretania Underwood, expressed her deepest condolences. “Speaker Pangelinan was a fighter for the people all of his life. Just as he fought cancer these past few years, he fought for an honest and accountable government.

“For all Democrats, indeed for all of the people of Guam, Pangelinan represented the power of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. His intellect and his service will be missed.” Underwood added. “While there will be thousands of official words of praise in ceremonies for the next few days, there will be many more silent words of praise uttered by the common citizen who felt the power of his service.”

Pangelinan passed away yesterday after battling cancer and announcing his retirement a few weeks ago. (PR)