Arroyo mourns death of former Budget chief Andaya

Former President Gloria Arroyo on Friday expressed condolences to the family of late Camarines Sur lawmaker Rolando "Nonoy" Andaya, Jr. who was found dead at his home in Naga City on Thursday.

"My family and I join those who mourn the death of former DBM Secretary and former Congressman Andaya. Nonoy was an indispensable and trusted member of our official family as he headed the Department of Budget and Management for four years," Arroyo said in a statement.

"He was kind and down-to-earth, a good friend to many, and well-respected by his peers," she added.

Arroyo also recalled a time when Andaya served as the House Appropriations panel chairman during her term as Speaker from July 2018 to May 2019.

"As my colleague in Congress, he was an important ally who showed his meticulousness and dedication when he played a major role in cleaning up and fixing the national budget," she pointed out.

"The Bicol region has lost another son it can definitely be proud of. Dios an mabalos sa saimong karahayan, Sec. Nonoy. May you rest in peace," she added.

Andaya died two years after the death of his wife, then Camarines Sur lawmaker Marissa, in July 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She died of cancer.

Andaya also ran for Camarines Sur governor in the 2022 elections but lost to incumbent Gov. Miguel Villafuerte.

Marcos' administration Budget chief Amenah Pangandaman also fondly remembered Andaya.

"I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the family of former DBM Secretary and former Camarines Sur Rep. Andaya. Dedicated to serving the Filipino people, he is known for his competent, selfless, and dedicated public service. During his tenure, he instituted reforms to strengthen the DBM’s services," she said in a separate statement.

"May we all remember his passion and upstanding trait as a leader and a public servant. To his family, I wish you comfort, courage, and strength during this time of sorrow," Pangandaman added.—Llanesca Panti/AOL, GMA News