The late former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary Albert del Rosario


Senators are mourning the passing of former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert del Rosario, who died Tuesday, April 17, at the age of 83. ‘’We have just lost an esteemed diplomat who represented our country with utmost grace, honor, and dignity,’’ Senator Risa Hontiveros said. Hontiveros said it was due to Del Rosario’s efforts that the Philippines won the historic 2016 Arbitral Award, reaffirming the Philippine's legitimate rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). ‘’This ruling has earned its place in the annals of international law, showing the world that we, a small country, can stand up to a global giant like China, in the name of our hard-won sovereignty,’’ she said. ‘’Secretary Del Rosario’s leadership inspired in us the courage and the creativity to fight for our national interest using lawful and diplomatic means. Defending and protecting our rights in the WPS is an intergenerational battle, one we can win because of the work Secretary del Rosario started, a work we will continue for the future of our country and our children,’’ she stressed. Hontiveros said Del Rosario was the father of Inge, one of her good friends from high school and college. ‘’I embrace her and their family tightly on this very sad day.’’ ‘’I have rarely met such a dignified and gentlemanly person who was also perfectly capable of fighting indefatigably for what he believed in. He preached and practiced what he called hard diplomacy. We must carry on his fight,’’ she stressed. Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe described Del Rosario as ‘’a diplomat par excellence". She offered prayers for his family. ‘’We will always hold Secretary [Albert del Rosario] in high esteem for his firm diplomacy and dignified demeanor in fighting for the interest of our countrymen,’’ she stressed.