‘We must continue his fight’: Senators mourn death of ex-DFA chief Albert del Rosario

FILE PHOTO: Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario during the “The South China Sea Arbitration Award 12 July 2016” forum in Manila Polo Club, Makati City in November 2021. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Senators on Tuesday mourned the death of former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, who played a crucial role in the historic arbitral ruling recognizing the Philippines’ rights over the West Philippine Sea.

In separate statements, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Senate Majority Joel Villanueva and Senators Risa Hontiveros, Francis Tolentino, Lito Lapid, Francis “Chiz” Escudero, and Grace Poe grieved the passing of the country’s former chief diplomat.

READ: Ex-DFA chief Albert del Rosario dies at 83

Hontiveros was saddened by the loss of “an esteemed diplomat who represented our country with utmost grace, honor, and dignity.”

She hailed del Rosario’s key contributions that helped the country secure the landmark 2016 decision of the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, favoring the Philippines and junking China’s sweeping nine-dash line claim over the South China Sea.

“This ruling has earned its place in the annals of international law, showing the world that we, a small country, can stand up to a global giant like China in the name of our hard-won sovereignty,” Hontiveros said.

READ: PH wins arbitration case over South China Sea

But despite the historic ruling, which is seen as a badge in del Rosario’s foreign relations career, China still rejects the decision by continuously and aggressively encroaching on the disputed waters within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

While the fight for the country’s rights over the West Philippine Sea remains unfinished, Hontiveros pointed out that del Rosario’s leadership sparked “the courage and the creativity to fight for our national interest using lawful and diplomatic means.”

“Defending and protecting our rights in the West Philippine Sea is an intergenerational battle, one we can win because of the work Sec. del Rosario started – a work we will continue for the future of our country and our children,” she added.

The senator then recalled rubbing shoulders with del Rosario as a friend of his daughter, Dr. Inge del Rosario.

“I have rarely met such a dignified and gentlemanly person who was also perfectly capable of fighting indefatigably for what he believed in. He preached and practiced what he called hard diplomacy. We must carry on his fight.”

‘A true patriot’

Villanueva, who worked with del Rosario under the administration of the late and former President Benigno S. Aquino III, called him a “true patriot” for his instrumental role in winning the Philippines’ maritime dispute with Asian giant China before the United Nations-backed tribunal.

“He may have passed on, but his legacy and achievements are permanently inked in the history of our nation,” he said.

Tolentino, Escudero, and Poe likewise joined the chorus of grief for the country’s erstwhile top diplomat, also remembering him as the man who fiercely fought for the country’s sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea.

Escudero said del Rosario was known by his peers as “a man of firm integrity and patriotism.”

Legarda, who similarly called del Rosario a “true patriot,” said the former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) chief will always be remembered and respected for his “unwavering commitment and service to our nation.”

“A true patriot, his valiant and courageous efforts on the Hague ruling is a legacy for the generations to come,” she also said.

Legarda likewise expressed gratitude for del Rosario’s recognition of the value of taking part in the Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition in Italy for the promotion of national interest.

It was under del Rosario’s leadership at the DFA when the Philippines broke its 51-year hiatus and staged a return to the famous cultural exhibition.

“His understanding of the importance of cultural diplomacy is greatly appreciated. Sec. del Rosario was a true gentleman and a friend,” Legarda said.

Lapid, for his part, lauded del Rosario for championing the country’s rights over its waters despite the obstacles that came with doing so.

“Nasukat ang kanyang kadakilaan sa laki ng hamon na kanyang hinarap. At natapos siya na matagumpay,” he said.

(His greatness was measured by the enormous challenges that he faced, and he conquered them successfully.)

Through the arbitral award that del Rosario helped secure, Lapid emphasized that local policies recognizing the Philippines’ maritime claims had also taken shape.

“Nabigyan ng higit na pagkakataon at matibay na batayan ang mga susunod na lider ng ating bayan na ipaglaban ang ating soberanya,” he added.

(He opened more doors and provided a stronger basis for the next leaders of our country to fight for our sovereignty.)

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