THE House of Representatives on Tuesday adopted two resolutions expressing profound condolences to the families of former Foreign Affairs Sec. Alberto del Rosario and Nueva Viscaya Gov. Carlos Padilla, who both passed away recently.

Lawmakers moved to adopt House Resolution Nos. 928 and 949 recognizing the accomplishments of Del Rosario and Padilla both in their private lives and as public servants.

The resolutions were introduced by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, Minority Leader Marcelino C. Libanan, senior Deputy Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos, and Tingog Party-list Reps. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre.

“The passing of Sec. Del Rosario and Gov. Padilla, also a former minority leader in the House of Representatives, are a great loss to our country. Their contributions to the betterment of our country and their legacy in public service will never be forgotten,” Speaker Romualdez said.

Del Rosario passed away last April 18 at the age of 83, survived by his wife, Gretchen de Venecia and children, Albert Jr., Margaret del Rosario-Isleta, Hans Louis and Dr. Ingeborg Regina

“A hardworking and committed diplomat, true patriot, and a defender of democracy, the demise of Honorable Albert del Rosario is a great loss to the entire country, and he will forever be remembered as one of the courageous leaders who exuded firm and dignified diplomacy in defending the national interest of the whole Filipino nation,” HR 928 read.

Del Rosario served as Philippine Ambassador to the United States during the administration of then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from October 2001 to August 2006 and as Secretary of Foreign Affairs during the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III from February 2011 to March 2016.

“During his tenure as Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Honorable del Rosario spearheaded the filing of a landmark Philippine government arbitration case that challenged the validity of China’s sprawling territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” it added.

The Philippines won its arbitration case as a significant diplomatic victory for the Philippines in its West Philippine Sea dispute case against China.

“A consummate diplomat with integrity and unwavering commitment to public service, Honorable del Rosario received the highest award for diplomats, the Order of Sikatuna Award, Rank of Datu in 2004, for his outstanding efforts in promoting foreign relations,” the resolution said.

HR No. 949, meanwhile, recognized the contributions of Padilla both as a lawmaker and a local government executive. It was adopted in consolidation with HR No. 946.

“Honorable Padilla will always be remembered for his contribution in crafting meaningful pieces of legislation and for his passion and dedication to uplift the socio-economic status not only of Novo Vizcayanos, but also the Filipino people in general,” it said.

Padilla is survived by his wife, Ruth R. Padilla, former Governor of Nueva Vizcaya, his children, Carlos “Jojo” II, Ruthie Maye and Carlo Paolo, and his grandchildren.

He has more than four decades of experience in public service, serving as Mayor of the Municipality of Dupax, Nueva Vizcaya from 1971 to 1975 and Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya from 1975 to 1978; Assemblyman for Nueva Vizcaya in the Interim Batasang Pambansa from 1978 to 1984; Representative of the Lone Legislative District of Nueva Vizcaya during the Eighth Congress from 1987 to 1992, Tenth to Twelfth Congresses from 1995 to 2004 and Fourteenth to Sixteenth Congresses from 2007 to 2016; and Governor of Nueva Vizcaya from 2016 until his demise on May 5.

“Honorable Padilla held different prominent positions in the House of Representatives such as Deputy Speaker, Minority Leader and Deputy
Minority Leader; Chairperson of the Committees on Education and Indigenous People …,” the resolution read.

As a lawmaker, he authored several important laws such as the “Free Public Secondary Education Act of 1988,” “Philippine Librarianship Act,” “Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act,” “Philippine Nursing Act of 2002,” “Children’s Emergency and Protection Act,” and the “Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008,” among many others.

“Recognized for his exemplary performance, diligence and integrity, Honorable Padilla received various awards such as the ‘Most Outstanding Congressman’ during the Eighth, Tenth and Twelfth Congresses from various magazines and national dailies; one of the “Top-Five Congressmen” during the Twelfth Congress conferred by the Philippine Free Press in 2002,” the resolution continued.

Following the adoption, the families of both Del Rosario and Padilla will be given copies of the resolutions.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ryan Ponce Pacpaco