KNOWN to Mindanaoan leaders as among those largely instrumentals in thrusting Rodrigo Roa Duterte to Malacañang power, the passing away of Kagay-anon icon Reuben Canoy was considered a big blow to the government’s loyal confidants.
“We lost a leader, an intellectual giant, and a true federalist who inspired many generations of leaders including myself. Atty. Reuben Canoy has served CdeO with so much pride and compassion for all. He was a true Mindanaonon who loved our Island so much, and strongly advocated for the development of its true potential, for the welfare for all of us Mindanaonons,” said Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of the 2nd district of Cagayan de Oro City.
The former Misamis Oriental assemblyman and Cagayan de Oro Mayor, widely known for his political radio commentary “Perspective,” had unfortunately signed off on Tuesday night out from cardiac arrest at the age of 93.
“It is with sadness that we are informing you of Dad’s passing at 8:55 pm tonight July 5, 2022. Please pray for the eternal repose of his soul,” said his daughter Rhona, a columnist for this paper.
His other siblings are Chet, Cacoi, and Donne. His wife, Solona passed away in 2019.
In the latter part of his colorful journey where he appeared blindfolded in one eye but looked healthy, Canoy had vigorously campaigned in encouraging then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte to run as president along with the late Senator Aquilino ‘Nene’ Pimentel and former Governor Homobono Adaza.
The three were outspoken critics of Marcos’ martial law regime. But Canoy was keen that Duterte had also favorably endorsed his cause of pushing for a federal form of government that he passionately advocated.
And he was gratified when Duterte won.
In 2018, former President Duterte appointed him as one of the members of the consultative committee to review the 1987 Constitution that would supposedly pave the way for the shift to a federal form of government.
That served to be his last job in the government.
The Provincial Capitol Office under newly-minted Misamis Oriental governor Peter Unabia and Congressman-elect Yevgeny Vincente ‘Bambi’ Emano have yet to release a statement on the post-pandemic departure of the region’s political grandpa.
Even newly-elected Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy, a supporter of Ferdinand Marcos Jr ― whose father’s martial law reign was openly criticized by Canoy’s long-running radio program over RMN-dxCC Mindanao Network ― has expressed sadness of the unwelcome development.
“His (Canoy) legacy of fighting for democracy will never be erased or eclipsed and will endure for years to come,” Uy said.
“Pinaagi sa iyang nabantog nga programa sa radyo, kanunay niyang gibalik-balik ang kamahinungdanon sa pakiglambigit ug partisipasyon sa katawhan sa demokrasya,” added Uy.
Outpouring words of sympathy and admiration also came from the media institution, even those who abhorred both the Duterte and now back-to-power Marcos governance.
“Growing up in Cagayan de Oro, I woke up to his ‘Perspective’ commentary over Radio Mindanao Network. But he was much more than an authoritative and sobering voice on AM radio. My condolences to Ruben Canoy’s family and friends,” wrote Human Rights defender and seasoned journalist Carlos Conde.
US-based radio personality Dolly Ilogon, formerly with Bombo Radyo-Cagayan de Oro, wrote on her Facebook wall: “Another Cagayan de Oro icon is gone. My deepest condolences to the family of Atty. Reuben Canoy, former Mayor of Cagayan de Oro City and Past President of Cagayan de Oro Press Club. A fearless commentator of RMN-dxCC. Mayor Canoy was 93. Kagayanons will truly miss him. Rest In peace, Mayor Canoy.”
Veteran broadcaster Joe Felicilda was more than a fan.
“Malinawong pagpanaw Atty. Reuben R. Canoy. Salamat sa imong pag-ugmad sa industriya sa media dinhi’ng bahina sa kalibutan. ‘Ang lungsod nga nasayod makahatag og kusog sa demokrasya, apan ang lungsod nga mapasagaron makapukan sa atong kagawasan.’ Kini’ng imong panultihon nga una ko’ng nabati sa imong programa’ng Perspective sukad sa milabay’ng katu-igan, nakatatak na ug dili na gayud mawagtang sa among panumdoman. Salamat usab sa imong pagbansay kanamo kaniadto,” acknowledged Felicilda.
Rappler Mindanao editor Herbie Gomez could not help but share his thoughts.
“Reuben Canoy’s familiar opening spiel for each ‘Perspective’ episode has reverberated across generations: “Ang lungsod nga nasayod makahatag og kusog sa demokrasya, apan ang lungsod nga mapasagaron makapukan sa atong kagawasan.”
Read, internalize, and see how disinformation weakened Philippine democracy,” was his advice to Filipino people in this dime-a-dozen-time that “glorified” fake news and the like.
A study in contrast ― politically ― for his supposed disapproval of the Marcoses and massive love and support of the Dutertes, yet the late Reuben Canoy will remain an icon in the city of golden friendship for anyone who knows how to spare time and listen to the radio.
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