Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 18) — Government officials and ambassadors of various nations paid tribute to the late former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert del Rosario, whom they described as a real patriot and champion of Philippine sovereignty.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sent his condolences to the loved ones of Del Rosario — the country’s top diplomat when Manila took Beijing to court over its sweeping claims in the South China Sea — describing him as an “honorable and esteemed public servant.”
“We thank his deep commitment to our national interest and his unwavering devotion to our shared values,” Marcos said.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto also looked back at Del Rosario’s legacy as a staunch defender of the country’s territory.
“There was no better advocate of Philippine interest, no braver defender of our OFWs (overseas Filipino workers), no bolder champion of our sovereignty than him when he was the republic’s top diplomat,” Recto said.
Senators Joel Villanueva and Chiz Escudero both remembered Del Rosario as their colleague during the Aquino administration, adding that the late official’s achievements will forever be part of Philippine history.
Del Rosario’s other former colleagues in the Aquino Cabinet also said it was a privilege to have worked with him.
“[He] always challenged us to be tireless in the fulfillment of duty, unyielding in the defense of the national interest, gentlemanly in all aspects of private and public conduct, and unflinching in seeking to bring aid and assistance to our fellow citizens in danger areas,” they said in a joint statement.
Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel meanwhile highlighted how Del Rosario helped make the country’s foreign service “more active and felt.”
“He also contributed to the growth of the private sector through his contributions in the insurance sector where he was a stalwart,” Pimentel said.
Del Rosario died on Tuesday “while en route to San Francisco,” according to the DFA. His family has yet to provide further details about his death.
Meanwhile, ambassadors and embassies of different countries, including the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, and Germany, also expressed their sympathies.
“His leadership to uphold the rule of law in the sea will never be forgotten,” Japanese Ambassador to Manila Kazuhiko Koshikawa said.
“Secretary Del Rosario will always be remembered for his support for UNCLOS and the rules-based international order,” Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu said.
THREAD: The diplomatic community mourns the passing of former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario
U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson says that Del Rosario’s dedication and commitment to the US-PH relations will never be forgotten | @TristanNodalo https://t.co/Mj5yg38Lde
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) April 18, 2023
