The late former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary Albert del Rosario (left) and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Wikipedia, MANILA BULLETIN)

The late Albert del Rosario's stance on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue must be followed by the current administration.

Thus, said House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro on Tuesday afternoon, April 18, as she paid tribute to the late Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary.

"Sec. Del Rosario was among those most vocal and firmly committed to defend our claim to the West Philippine Sea (WPS), his stand on this issue must be followed by the current foreign secretary and the Marcos administration," Castro said in a short statement.

"Hindi dapat ibenta ang interes ng Pilipinas at mga Filipino sa Tsina man o sa US (United States). Dapat ang interes ng ating bayan ang una hindi ng sa dayuhan (The interests of the Philippines and Filipinos must not be sold to either China or the US. We should prioritize the interests of the country over those of foreigners)," added the Makabayan solon.

Castro also extended her condolences to the family and friends of Del Rosario, who passed away Tuesday at the age of 83. The latter served as DFA chief from 2011 to 2016.

Del Rosario was instrumental in pursuing the Philippines' case against China’s expansive maritime claims, which ultimately resulted in a favorable ruling for Manila by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in July 2016.

The PCA ruling invalidated China's nine-dash line claim, which encompassed much of the WPS.