Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla on Friday paid tribute to the late former Sen. Santanina Rasul, who passed away on Nov. 28.

Padilla, a Muslim, noted Rasul was the first female Muslim to serve in the Senate.

“Inaalala siya bilang isang taga umpisa, tagapagturo, at dedikadong pampublikong lingkod na ang pamana ay kinabibilangan ng mga landmark na batas na nagtataguyod sa mga karapatan ng kababaihan, mga reporma sa edukasyon, at mga pagsisikap sa pagbuo ng kapayapaan (She will be remembered as a trailblazer and dedicated public servant whose legacies include landmark laws that upheld the rights of women; educational reforms; and efforts for peace),” he said.

“Nasa Diyos tayo, at sa Kanya tayo babalik (To God we belong, and to God we will return),” he added.

Padilla chairs the Senate committee on cultural communities and Muslim affairs.