President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has joined the nation in mourning the passing of former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary Albert del Rosario.
In a statement on Tuesday, Marcos described del Rosario as "an honorable diplomat and an esteemed public servant."
The President also thanked him for "his deep commitment to our national interest and his unwavering devotion to our shared values."
Del Rosario served as the Philippines' top diplomat from 2011 to 2016, when he brought the country to its legal victory in its fight over the West Philippine Sea against China.
He appeared before the Arbitral Tribunal in the Hague to defend the Philippine sovereignty.
"I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Secretary del Rosario, who was known for his patriotism and integrity," Marcos said.