Former Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario has passed away at the age of 83, according to a statement from his family. Del Rosario led the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) from 2011 to 2016 under former President Benigno Aquino III. His daughter, Dr. Inge del Rosario, shared the news of his passing and requested privacy for the family during this difficult time.
DFA Chief Enrique Manalo offered his condolences to del Rosario’s loved ones, describing the former diplomat as “a consummate diplomat and an inspiring leader who led the DFA with integrity and unwavering commitment to public service.”
Del Rosario’s tenure as foreign affairs secretary was marked by several significant events, including tensions with China over the West Philippine Sea. He called on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to consistently raise the 2016 arbitral ruling in the Philippines’ favor before the United Nations, which rejected China’s historical nine-dash claim over the South China Sea. Del Rosario also drew criticism from President Rodrigo Duterte after he claimed that Chinese officials had influenced the outcome of the 2016 Philippine elections that saw Duterte elected to the presidency.
The passing of Albert del Rosario has prompted tributes from his colleagues and other members of the diplomatic community. Former DFA Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. praised del Rosario as a “consummate diplomat, a true patriot, and a visionary leader.”
Yasay also highlighted del Rosario’s contributions to the Philippines’ foreign policy, including his efforts to promote the country’s interests in the international arena. Other officials and former colleagues have also shared their condolences and memories of del Rosario, describing him as a respected statesman and dedicated public servant.
Del Rosario’s passing comes at a challenging time for the Philippines, which is facing several domestic and international issues. The country is still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, and there are concerns about the economic impact of the crisis. The government is also facing criticism over its handling of human rights issues and the ongoing drug war.
In the international arena, tensions with China over the West Philippine Sea remain a significant concern, and the country is also dealing with the fallout from the military coup in neighboring Myanmar.
Despite these challenges, however, many believe that the Philippines can overcome these obstacles with strong leadership and a commitment to promoting the country’s interests. The passing of Albert del Rosario is a reminder of the importance of diplomacy and the need for leaders who are committed to serving their country and upholding its values.