Rest in Peace

With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of our beloved REV. FR. REINER FRANKE, SVD.

He peacefully joined our Creator on January 7, 2025, at the age of 85. Details of his wake and interment will be announced later.

Fr. Reiner Franke, SVD, was born in Essen-Borbeck, Germany, in 1939. He entered the Novitiate in 1960 and professed his first vows in 1962. He made his perpetual vows in 1968 and was ordained to the priesthood the following year. From 1975 to 1981, he served as the Dean of the Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay.

He dedicated his life to serving the Church and the faithful, particularly in the Philippines. Known for his unwavering commitment to the mission of the Society of the Divine Word, Fr. Reiner made extensive contributions to the formation of future priests in Mindanao. He served as a professor, formator, and spiritual mentor, inspiring many seminarians to embrace the path of Christ’s priesthood. He also held the roles of Procurator and Financial Adviser at St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao. His work as Dean of the Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay and as a missionary in Davao touched countless lives and bore witness to the beauty of a life dedicated to God and His people.

As one community, we unite in prayer for his eternal repose:

O God, Thou didst raise Thy servant, Fr. Reiner Franke, SVD, to the sacred priesthood of Jesus Christ, according to the Order of Melchizedek, giving him the sublime power to offer the Eternal Sacrifice, to bring the Word of salvation to Thy people, and to administer the Holy Sacraments. Grant, we beseech Thee, that he may enjoy the reward of his labors and enter into the joy of everlasting life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Thank you for the life you lived so well, Fr. Reiner! Your legacy of faith and love will always inspire us. Vaya con Dios!

Statement of Condolence on the Passing of Senator Defensor-Santiago

Office of the Senator

Alan Peter S. Cayetano

Rm. 602 GSIS Complex Senate of the Philippines Roxas Blvd Pasay City

Press Statement

September 29, 2016

Statement of condolence of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on the passing of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago

I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of our former colleague, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. 

I join the millions of Filipinos in the country and around the world in mourning the passing of an exemplary public servant and a fierce defender of good governance.

Senator Miriam was among the best and brightest advocates for change who, despite her own personal battles, continued to fight for the rights and welfare of our people. She will be remembered for her strong stand against corruption and for her outstanding performance as former chairperson of the Senate foreign relations committee.

I will never forget what she once said, about how she was "a staunch believer in God, and the triumph of good over evil," as she encouraged our people "to remain adamant that good will triumph over evil, and that good governance will triumph over corruption." 

While we will miss her presence, let us celebrate Senator Miriam's life as a towering figure among titans of the Senate halls, including late senators Joker Arroyo, Ernesto Maceda, and Jovito Salonga.

May her legacy inspire future generations of leaders to work hard and work together in the fulfillment of our vision to create a better nation.

Paalam at Maraming Salamat, Senator Miriam. May you rest in peace. I pray for your blissful return to our Almighty Father.