ROXAS CITY ? The late President Manuel Acuña Roxas played a very crucial role in making Israel an independent state 60 years ago, a ranking Israeli diplomat said.

In his speech during the commemoration of the 60th death anniversary of Roxas on Tuesday, Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Zvi Vapni said President Roxas became part of the history book of Israel when he decided to recognize the country as an independent state.

Vapni said that Roxas instructed then Secretary Carlos P. Romulo, the Philippines? representative to the United Nation, to vote in favor of the independence of Israel. The vote of Romulo broke the tie between those for and those against Israel?s independence, he added.

But a month before Israel?s declaration of independence on May 18, Roxas died of a heart attack on April 15, 1948, after he spoke at Clark Field in Pampanga.

Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco Sr. invited the ambassador as a guest during the late president?s death anniversary.

The celebration was also part of the five-day 107th Founding Anniversary of Capiz where President Roxas became governor at the age of 27.

A wreath-laying activity was held at his monument at Roxas City public plaza that was attended by Mrs. Judy Araneta-Roxas, the late President?s daughter-in-law, and all local officials of Capiz.