Ilonggo statesman Britanico, key figure in constitutional reforms, dies at 88
ILOILO CITY—Former assemblyman and veteran statesman Salvador “Buddy” Britanico, a key figure in shaping constitutional provisions and national education reforms, died due to an illness. He was 88.
Britanico passed away on April 3, leaving behind a legacy deeply embedded in Philippine governance, law, and public education.
As a delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention, Britanico authored significant provisions in the 1973 Constitution, including the standardization of compensation for government officials and employees and the removal of parity rights granted to foreign entities over Philippine natural resources and public utilities.
During his tenure as assemblyman in both the Interim and Regular Batasang Pambansa, he was consistently recognized as one of the most outstanding legislators. He introduced and supported measures that reshaped the country’s education system, including the abolition of the mandatory 24-unit Spanish requirement in college and the expansion of access to national schools and universities across the Philippines.
He later served as Minister of State for Transportation and Communications and as Deputy Minister of Education, Culture, and Sports, where he helped advance nationwide programs on teacher welfare, school infrastructure, and curriculum development, including the integration of preparatory education into the public school system.
Landmark case
In the judiciary sphere, Britanico also made a lasting impact as a lawyer, successfully arguing a landmark case before the Supreme Court that relaxed the 2-percent vote threshold in the party list system, paving the way for broader representation of marginalized groups in Congress.
He also represented the Philippines in several international conferences on telecommunications, transportation, and parliamentary cooperation, underscoring his role in advancing the country’s engagement in global policy discussions.
Born on Sept. 2, 1937, in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, Britanico rose from academic distinction to national prominence. A salutatorian in high school, he earned his law degree from Far Eastern University with honors and placed 28th in the 1962 Bar examinations.
He built a parallel career in academia, teaching law, philosophy, and political science at the University of Iloilo, University of San Agustin, San Sebastian College, and Lyceum of the Philippines University. He was widely recognized for excellence in teaching and debate, earning accolades from both local and international academic institutions.
Britanico also played a pivotal role in the development of higher education in the Visayas, supporting the establishment of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas in Miagao, Iloilo, and contributing to the growth of institutions such as West Visayas State University and Iloilo Science and Technology University.
In his later years, he served as congressman representing a party list group in the 14th Congress, continuing his advocacy for education, infrastructure, and regional development.
Throughout his legal career, he was known for providing free legal assistance to indigent clients, helping secure justice for those unable to afford representation.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Ma. Lita Linda Britanico, and his sons Salvador “Bud” Britanico Jr. and Francesco Britanico. His son Delfin Britanico predeceased him.
