Malacañang has offered sympathy over the death of Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago “Chito” Sta. Romana and paid tribute to his contributions in strengthening the Philippine-China ties.
"Nagdadalamhati po kami sa pagyao ni Philippine Ambassador to China, His Excellency Jose Santiago Sta. Romana (We are grieving over the demise of Philippine Ambassador to China, His Excellency Jose Santiago Sta. Romana)," Communications Secretary and acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar expressed during his press briefing Tuesday, April 19.
The Filipino diplomat passed away on April 18.
According to Sta. Romana’s sister, Neni, the Filipino diplomat died in Huangshan, Anhui province. He was undergoing a required quarantine prior to returning to Beijing.
Andanar also expressed appreciation for the service of Sta. Romana to the Philippines, paying tribute to his contributions to the Philippines' cooperation and relations to China.
"Nagbibigay pugay kami kay Ambassador Sta. Romana sa kanyang mga nagawa para tumibay ang (We are paying tribute to Ambassador Sta. Romana for his contributions to strengthen the) Philippine-China relations. Our thoughts and prayers to the Sta. Romana family," Andanar said.
Sta. Romana was appointed Philippine envoy to China on Dec. 7, 2016. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), he was appointed “in recognition of his deep knowledge of China’s history and people.”
Under his tenure, Philippines and China’s relations “flourished despite differences” and “flowered all the more in maturity and were deeply strengthened.”
China, through Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, have also sent their thoughts to the loved one of Sta. Romana.
They also expressed their appreciation for Sta. Romana's "undeniable contribution to the development of China-Philippines relations," saying they lost "a good friend."
READ MORE: PH envoy to China Sta. Romana passes away; PH, China mourn 'great loss'