Senator Jonathan “Cio” Isechal, a known bold advocate for the people, especially the elderly and the sick, passed away last Friday, May 5th, 2023, Senior Citizens Day, a day celebrating the elderlies he so passionately championed.
A seasoned congressman with 12 years (3 terms) as a Delegate of Peleliu State, he chaired the powerful Ways & Means Committee in the House of Delegates. In 2020, Senator Jonathan “Cio” Isechal was elected to the Senate and served until he passed as the Chairman of the Judicial and Government Affairs Committee in the Senate.
In the last two years, while in the Senate, he had pushed for more hemodialysis equipment for the hospital and proposed amendments to the law to enable patients requiring regular treatment using hemodialysis equipment to be included in the national healthcare insurance.
“Senator Isechal was a veteran lawmaker, a dedicated public servant and a true fighter who had the best interest of the Palauan people at heart,” stated President Whipps on the passing of Senator Isechal.
He is survived by his wife Rmeriang Tmetuchl-Isechal, siblings Kione, Joyce, Joseph and children Olkeriil Kazuo and Sione Isechal and two grandchildren.
His funeral details are yet to be disclosed by his family.
Senator Jonathan “Cio” Isechal would be the second Senator of the 11th Olbiil Era Kelulau to pass away this term. Late Senator Regis Akitaya passed away in September 2022. (By: L.N. Reklai)