‘His legacy must be upheld:’ Aquino Cabinet mourns passing of ex-DFA chief Del Rosario

Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Members of late President Benigno Aquino III’s Cabinet mourned on Tuesday the passing of their colleague, former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, who was best remembered for pushing the arbitral case against China over the West Philippine Sea dispute.

“We join so very many Filipinos and foreigners from all walks of life who received the sad news of Albert del Rosario’s passing with that sense of loss that comes when someone deeply admired passes away,” members of the Aquino Cabinet said in a statement.

“We were privileged to have him as a cabinet colleague who always challenged us to be tireless in the fulfillment of duty, unyielding in 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 added.

Under the late president’s administration, Del Rosario served as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary from 2011 to 2016. During his service, Del Rosario helped bring China to court over the disputed islands within the West Philippine Sea. The country won the case in 2016.

“He was much older than most of us but acted younger than most in his zest for life and tirelessness in his official duties. At this time of loss, our thoughts and prayers are with his loving wife Gretchen and all his family,” the members said.

“The West Philippine Sea always being Filipino is his legacy; one we are committed to uphold with the same patriotic spirit Albert demonstrated in his years as SFA,” they added.

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JPV