Palace, Senate grieve over Mandela death

Published December 6, 2013 11:43am

(Updated 2:25 p.m.) Malacañang and the Senate on Friday said they are grieving over the death of South African anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela, whom they called a "shining beacon of inspiration to all freedom-loving peoples."

"We grieve over the death of a Nelson Mandela, a revered world leader, who led his nation and people to freedom by treading the path of peace," Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) head Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

In a separate statement, Senate President Franklin Drilon said they extend their "deepest sympathy and utmost support" to Mandela's wife Graça Machel and their children.

"We join the entire world and the people of South Africa in mourning for the loss of this truly extraordinary man," he said.

Mandela died peacefully at home at the age of 95 on Thursday (Friday, PHL time) after months of fighting a lung infection.

The Palace praised Mandela for his "unwavering fortitude and perseverance" which proved 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," it said.

Coloma, during a press briefing on Friday, said Mandela visited the Philippines in March 1997.

During the visit, the Palace official said Mandela praised the "restoration of democracy in the country" and paid tribute to former President Corazon Aquino for leading the "struggle against authoritarianism."

Mandela was likewise conferred an honorary doctorate degree by the University of the Philippines, said Coloma.

Coloma said the Philippines and South Africa established diplomatic relations in November 1993. He said the Philippines opened an embassy in Pretoria, South Africa in June 1994 shortly after President Mandela’s inauguration.

For his part, Drilon also said Mandela had 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," he said.

"From rebel leader to prominent activist, from prisoner to president, Mandela, called “Madiba” by his people, transformed not only himself, but others around him, and the entire nation of South Africa," he added. —Kimberly Jane Tan/KG/RSJ, GMA News

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