‘Sailor, patriot, public servant’: Lawmakers, officials mourn Roilo Golez

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Several senators and district representatives expressed their grief over the passing of former Parañaque representative and National Security Adviser Roilo Golez.

Golez died on Monday, June 11, due to heart attack. He was 71.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri: His courage, knowledge and wisdom will be deeply missed. He was the soldier and a gentleman to the hilt. A man of arms who worked for peace. His knowledge of maritime issues is beyond question as he was once a navy man himself serving in our Armed forces. We will miss him.

Although he towered in the security and diplomatic circles, he was a lover of the common tao. His day was not complete without walking among the masa in Parañaque and praying in Baclaran Church. He walked, shopped, dined, prayed, and consoled the common man every day. We lost a great lawmaker, local government executive, a soldier, and a friend.

Senator Francis Pangilinan: Sadness and shock overwhelm us with the news of the death of former representative and National Security Adviser Roilo Golez.

He was a picture of vibrant life and untiring public service until his very last days. He was out of politics, but he continued to touch base not only with his former constituents, but Filipinos all over the country with his journeys to different places.

Rep. Golez is a true freedom fighter, being one of the few solid voices defending the country’s territorial rights. “Di ka pasisiil,” his motto in his social media account, truly fits him. Our thoughts and prayers are one with his family and loved ones.

Senator Leila de Lima: It is a sad Independence Day indeed when one of the staunchest defenders of our independence and sovereignty leaves us. The untimely death of naval officer, National Security Adviser, and lawmaker Roilo Golez bears a heavy weight on all of us.

He is a great loss in our fight for our territories in the West Philippine Sea against China’s illegal acts of occupation, island-building and militarization. His prompt statements after every act of Chinese aggression showed the depth of his knowledge, insight and vision on the issue.

Senator Grace Poe: We have lost a freedom fighter and accomplished public servant with the demise of former congressman and National Security Adviser Roilo Golez.

He was a powerful intellect, whose ideas and advocacy helped shape the country’s national security policy. He was among the few who can talk authoritatively about geopolitics, economics, science, national security and government.

He stood as vanguard in our fight for our sovereignty rights in the West Philippine Sea, and tirelessly shared his views to help enlighten Filipinos about this issue.

House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas: It is with sadness that I post here that Danny Suarez just called me with the information that our former colleague, Roilo “Roy” Golez, passed away due to heart attack. May his soul rest In peace!

Muntinlupa Representative Ruffy Biazon: Roilo Golez, the Naval Officer. My snappiest salute, sir. You served the country well, living life like a true soldier – fighting for the country as a last act.

Colonel Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesman: The Armed Forces of the Philippines sincerely condoles with the untimely demise of former congressman and National Security Adviser Roilo Golez. He was a sailor, a patriot, and a public servant whose contributions to the Filipino nation and its people extended throughout his lifetime. He will be remembered for his keen insights on national security founded on his knowledge of military history and strategy and geopolitics.

A naval officer through and through, former national adviser Roilo Golez was supposed to give an interview on maritime disputes when he passed away.

In between his stint at the House of Representatives, Golez served as the national security adviser under the Arroyo administration from 2001 to 2004. 

Golez was a strong and vocal defender of the West Philippine Sea (WPS). He had also warned about the increasing militarization by China of the West Philippine Sea. (READ: Roilo Golez: Defender of the West Philippine Sea)

Aside from being a regular lecturer on the sea dispute at the National Defense College of the Philippines, Golez was also one of the 3 convenors of the West Philippine Sea Coalition.

He also established the Movement and Alliance to Resist China’s Aggression and has joined rallies calling out China’s “bullying.” – Camille Elemia/Rappler.com