The late Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair Danilo Lim was a man of principle and a true gentleman, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said in paying tribute to the public servant.
Lim, a retired military general, passed away Wednesday morning at the age of 65.
In a statement Wednesday, Panelo extended his deepest condolences to the family of Lim, saying his loss will be felt across the bureaucracy and the military.
"Behind the exterior of gentleness and humility was an iron-clad ferocity of a man trained in the art of warfare and strategy and deep seated conviction of protecting the people’s welfare," he said.
"The retired Brigadier General was widely known as a man of principle and a true gentleman. It was his unblemished character and reputation for hard work that served as the foundation for President Duterte's decision to appoint BGen Lim as the Chairman of the MMDA," he added.
Lim was appointed MMDA chairman by President Duterte in 2017. He previously served as deputy commissioner at the Bureau of Customs.
Panelo also remembered that Lim was "fearless in fighting for what he believes in, especially with respect to political abuses and related issues."
"As spokesperson of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement, he participated in the coup attempt against the administration of former President Corazon Aquino in 1989. He also took action against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, calling for the latter's ouster in 2007," he said.
Panelo said Lim, a member of the Philippine Military Academy class of 1978, graduated "with flying colors" from the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point. He went to serve as commander of Army's elite Scout Rangers. Lim likewise earned various awards during his stint in the military, including the Presidential Medal of Merit.
Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Martin Andanar also mourned the death of Lim and cited his contribution to the reforms in government.
"We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and loved ones of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Danilo Lim," Andanar said.
"MMDA Chairman Lim has been instrumental in the Duterte Administration’s management and administration of key reforms, projects, and development programs throughout Metro Manila from 2017 up until his untimely death this year," he said.
Andanar said he hopes Lim's integrity and professionalism will serve as inspiration to others, including his successor at the MMDA "so that the positive growth and change in Metro Manila and our collective growth as a nation may continue."
"We pray for the eternal repose of his soul, and for his family and loved ones to find strength in this time of grief," he said.