STATEMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS SECRETARY ALAN PETER S. CAYETANO ON THE PASSING OF FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT EDGARDO J. ANGARA

 

BAHRAIN 13 May 2018 - In behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs, I join the Filipino nation in mourning the passing of former Senate President Edgardo J. Angara, one of our country’s foremost statesmen. 

 

Senate President Angara had deep ties with the Department during his long and storied career in the Senate, most notably when he served as Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations from 1997 to 1998.

 

For a brief time, Senate President Angara was with us in the Foreign Service as Special Envoy to the European Union. His discussions with European parliamentarians played an important role in preserving our GSP+ status with the European Union, providing special status for our exporters of designated products.

 

Being instrumental in the designation of June 30 as Philipine-Spanish Friendship Day, Senate President Angara was a tireless advocate for the preservation and appreciation of our Hispanic legacy as an essential element of Filipino history and culture.

 

On a personal note, I grew up with Tito Ed and his family. We Cayetanos share fond memories and life lessons from our experience together with the Angaras. 

 

Having also worked with him in the Senate for six years, I will always remember him with deep respect. It is through Senate President Angara’s work and accomplishments that young legislators such as myself became more determined to work hard for the country and our people.

 

My thoughts and prayers are with my former colleagues in Congress, Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara and Rep. Bellafor Angara-Castillo, and to the family of the late Senate President Angara. END