[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 161 (Tuesday, October 23, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE LIFE AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF SENATOR ANTONIO R. UNPINGCO

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of Guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 23, 2007

  Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 
life of Antonio Reyes Unpingco, a Guam leader whose service as a 
fourteen term Senator of the Guam Legislature will live in the Hearts 
of the people of Guam and the people of the Western Pacific region who 
knew him well. Sadly, Senator Unpingco passed away unexpectedly on 
October 18, 2007 at the age of 65 years. He leaves behind his wife, 
Emily Cruz Borja, his children Lisa, Christine, Raymond, Nicole, Noel, 
Meriza, Carlo, Aaron, Jerome, Daniel, and Paul. He also leaves behind 
several foster children and 16 grandchildren.
  Tony Unpingco was born on April 22, 1942, five months after Guam was 
invaded by enemy forces on December 8, 1941. He grew up aware of the 
atrocities endured by his people during the occupation of Guam in World 
War II and he fought for justice for the suffering of the Chamorro 
people. As a founding member and Co-Chairman of the Mannengon Memorial 
Foundation and Chairman of the Fena Massacre Memorial Committee, Tony's 
record of public service reflects his strong commitment to the pursuit 
of justice for the Chamorro people. In 2003, he was appointed by 
Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton to the Guam War Claims Review 
Commission, a federal commission which examined the historical record 
of the occupation and reported to Congress on whether the people of 
Guam were treated with parity for purposes of war claims. His input and 
advocacy was vital in the formulation of the Commission's Final Report 
and its recommendations to Congress.
  Tony graduated from Father Duenas Memorial School and attended the 
University of Guam and the University of Portland before graduating 
from Portland State University. He began his public service career in 
1969 as the head of a Special Task Force charged by the Governor of 
Guam to automate the Government of Guam payroll system. In 1970, he 
served as Deputy Director of the Department of Administration of the 
Government of Guam. Then, in 1971, Tony served as the first 
Administrator of the Government of Guam Liaison Office in San 
Francisco.
  Tony ran for the office of senator in 1976 and was elected. He served 
as Chairman of the Committee on General Governmental Operations and 
Military and Veterans Affairs of the 14th Guam Legislature. His 
election to the Guam Legislature in 1976 commenced an impressive record 
of winning election to every subsequent Legislature until his passing. 
His continuous service in the Legislature was interrupted only by his 
candidacy for Lieutenant Governor in 1986 and for Governor in 2002.

  As a distinguished legislator, Senator Unpingco was selected by his 
colleagues to serve as Speaker for the 24th, 25th, and 26th Guam 
Legislatures. During his lengthy career he served as chairman and as a 
member of numerous committees. Most recently, during the 29th Guam 
Legislature, he served as the Chairman of the Committee on Tourism, 
Maritime, Military and Veterans' Affairs. Senator Unpingco also served 
in the leadership positions of Republican Co-Leader, Minority Leader, 
Assistant Minority Leader, and the Minority Whip for the Legislature.
  Antonio Reyes Unpingco epitomized the noblest meaning of public 
service. He was a true public servant whose sense of duty and 
commitment to his people and his community transcended his loyalty to 
his political party. Among his legislative colleagues and 
contemporaries, Tony was a respected conciliator, constantly working to 
bridge contentious issues and to find common ground. Among all who have 
had the honor to serve with him, he will be remembered as a peacemaker. 
On the floor of the Guam Legislature, Tony maintained a demeanor of 
dignity and his statesmanship served as an example to his colleagues 
when controversial legislation was being considered. He reminded his 
colleagues that their noblest purpose as elected leaders was to serve 
the people. For this, he was appreciated and respected in all political 
circles. For his ability to bring peace and harmony to the halls of the 
Legislature, Tony Unpingco will be greatly missed by all the people of 
Guam.
  Understanding the extraordinary commitment to public service of our 
veterans, Tony Unpingco wholeheartedly supported the needs of those who 
served our nation in defense of freedom. He worked with the many 
veterans' service organizations on Guam to ensure that those who served 
in our Armed Forces received the benefits they deserved. Working 
directly with these organizations, Tony Unpingco fought to ensure that 
their voices were heard.
  Even above his political zeal, Tony Unpingco was dedicated to his 
community. A devout Catholic, he was an active member of the Santa Rita 
Parish Council, its ``Mom and Pop'' Choir, and the Knights of Columbus. 
He eagerly supported and participated in church activities and was 
instrumental in the rebuilding of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. As a 
devoted family man, Tony dedicated much of his time to his children's 
school activities. Even after his children had grown and graduated, 
Tony and Emily continued to commit time and resources to the children 
of Guam. A loving husband of 42 years, Tony's devotion to his wife, 
Emily, and her devotion to Tony, made them inseparable. They 
represented the finest traditions of Chamorro graciousness and 
hospitality.
  I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend. As my colleague 
during my years as a Senator in the Guam Legislature, I learned to 
respect Tony and I valued his opinion and advice on many issues. I 
found him to be a man of integrity and honesty and, most of all, he was 
always sincere and always ready with an understanding, warm and 
friendly smile. Tony will be greatly missed by his family and friends, 
but his legacy of service and his devotion to public service will live 
on in our people and community forever.

                          ____________________