Former Philippine Senator Saguisag Invovled In Car Accident, Wife Loses Life

November 8, 2007 3:36 p.m. EST

Makati City, Philippines (AHN) - A former member of the Philippine Senate was injured while his wife died in early morning car accident Thursday.

Doctors at the Makati Medical Center have stabilized the condition of former Senator Rene Saguisag who sustained head injuries.

In their latest medical bulletin, doctors said the former legislator may not need to undergo surgery at this time.

Relatives and friends, meanwhile, gathered to mourn former Social Welfare Secretary Dulce Quintans Saguisag at a chapel in Saint Scholastica, in Manila.

The Saguisags were aboard their van when a dump truck slammed into their vehicle on the Osmena Highway in Makati City

They were on their way home after spending a night of ballroom dancing when the incident happened.

The collision killed Mrs. Saguisag instantly and injured the former senator, his driver and a lady dance instructor who was with them at the time.

Police have filed reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property with homicide and multiple injuries against truck driver Manuel Geronimo at the Makati City Prosecutor's Office.

Senator Saguisag was a practicing human rights lawyer whose clients include Former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada and some rebel soldiers. His wife was appointed secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development during Estrada's term.

The former president asked the public to pray for Senator Saguisag's recovery.

Earlier, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo extended her condolences to the Saguisag family.