Philippines
Philippines

Palace, PH leaders: Mandela a beacon of freedom

Ayee Macaraig

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Philippine leaders hail Nelson Mandela as a 'shining beacon of inspiration to all freedom-loving peoples'

Photo from the Office of Former President Fidel Ramos

MANILA, Philippines (2nd UPDATE) – “In death as in life, he will always be a shining beacon of inspiration to all freedom-loving peoples.”

Malacañang, former Philippine presidents and Philippine lawmakers paid tribute to South Africa’s first black president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, whose death on Thursday, December 5, sparked a global outpouring of grief.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippines, whose struggle for freedom was shown in the 1986 People Power Revolution, stood in solidarity with South Africa.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr hailed the late freedom fighter as a “revered world leader, who led his nation and people to freedom by treading the path of peace.”

“He endured decades of imprisonment with unwavering fortitude and perseverance, affirming that taking the peaceful, non-violent path to freedom is one that brings about sustained and enduring fulfillment of a people’s aspirations for full emancipation. In death as in life, he will always be a shining beacon of inspiration to all freedom-loving peoples,” Coloma said in a statement.

President Benigno Aquino III’s late mother, former President Corazon Aquino, met Mandela during a historic meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1996. The two leaders are recognized as freedom icons, both victims of injustice who triumphed into power by massive popular support against oppressive regimes.

Vice President Jejomar Binay honored Mandela for embodying “the unconquerable spirit and the healing power of forgiveness.”

“His life inspires us to strive for a world where freedom, equality, tolerance, and understanding reign,” Binay said in a statement.

The DFA said the Philippines is honored to have hosted Mandela’s visit in 1996.

“The Philippines joins the nation of South Africa and the whole world in mourning the passing of a great man. Nelson Mandela was not only a courageous and compassionate champion of democracy and racial equality for his own country, but also stood as a beacon of inspiration and hope for all those who sought freedom in every corner of the globe, including the Philippines,” the department said in a statement.

“Filipinos who stood in the vanguard of the world’s struggles for freedom with our very own People Power stand in solidarity at this sad moment with our brothers and sisters in South Africa and with those who love freedom everywhere.”

Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos, who received Mandela during his state visit to the Philippines in 1998, sent a letter of condolences to the Mandela family. Here is a copy of his letter obtained by Rappler:
 

Journeying from prisoner to president, Mandela led South Africa’s transition from white-minority rule in the 1990s after spending 27 years in prison. He evolved from being a freedom fighter to a central leader to an elder statesman and global icon.

He had been battling a recurring lung infection that led to numerous hospitalizations. 

FREEDOM CHAMPION. Philippine leaders hail the late Nelson Mandela as a beacon of inspiration for all freedom-fighters, including Filipinos. Photo taken during Mandela’s June 2008 London visit. File photo by Shaun Curry/AFP

Erap: Mandela and I men of ‘conviction’

Former President Joseph Estrada recalled Mandela’s inauguration as president in 1994, which he witnessed as the official Philippine representative.

When he became president, Estrada said Mandela was one of his inspirations “as we sought to topple the ruling elite in our country.” Estrada looked back at his ouster, imprisonment and conviction for plunder and compared this to Mandela’s years behind bars for fighting apartheid. 

“The story of Mr. Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison, inspired me to stay strong even behind bars and fight to regain our true democracy that was stolen by the Arroyo Administration.”

“Later, when I regained my own freedom, I would joke that because we were both convicted, like Mandela, I am a man of conviction!”

Estrada then turned serious when discussing Mandela’s legacy.

“We must continue to honor Mr. Mandela’s memory by continuing his fight for a real democracy. A democracy where inequality is condemned not only on paper but in practice; where freedom is achieved not only from bondage but from poverty,” he said. 

Estrada expounded on his views on Mandela in a previous Thought Leaders piece for Rappler. 

Courtesy of the office of former President Joseph Estrada.

‘Humility was his true greatness’

Senate President Franklin Drilon expressed his sympathy with Mandela’s family and said the Philippine Senate joins the world in mourning the loss “of this truly extraordinary man.”

“Today we have lost a man who throughout his life, has served as a potent symbol for honor, peace, courage and magnanimity. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela‘s life is marked by positive transformation, enabled by his lifelong belief in goodwill and his unmatched determination,” Drilon said.

Senator Loren Legarda, a former broadcast journalist, recalled the time she met and interviewed Mandela during his state visit to the Philippines in 1997.

 “He was a leader who earned your respect with his presence alone because even with his power and influence, he remained kindly and unassuming. His humility was his true greatness,” said Legarda.

“He was a humble leader who gave credit to the effort of the people around him. He never gave the impression that the leadership was all about him, but that he was a man who was tasked to execute the ideals and ideas of his organization. He even told me during my interview that he did not see the need to run for reelection because he believed in the tradition of collective leadership,” she said.

Also paying tribute is former Senator Edgardo Angara, who, as former University of the Philippines president, received Mandela in UP Manila in 1997. Mandela was then conferred an honorary degree.

“His life exemplifies how patience, hard work, and unwavering commitment are essential to achieving one’s utmost vision. This is the greatest legacy he leaves the world, a lesson which our newly elected officials must imbibe into their public service,” the former senator said.   

PH VISIT. Nelson Mandela visited UP Manila in 1997 to receive a Doctorate of Laws Honoris Causa for his courage and will to fight for freedom and social justice in South Africa. Former Senator Edgardo Angara, a former UP president, welcomed him. Photo from Angara’s office.

Senator Nancy Binay said Mandela was an inspiration to all nations. “His simplicity, grace, and passion will continue to live inside those who believe in democracy and equality of all persons – regardless of color, religion, or beliefs.”

Lawmakers, Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, and other Filipino personalities took to Twitter to honor Mandela:

 



 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

What are your thoughts on the death of Nelson Mandela? Let us know in the comments section below. – Rappler.com

 

 

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