MANILA — Several senators expressed their sympathies to the family of former congressman and National Security Adviser Jose Roilo S. Golez, who died due to cardiac arrest on Monday at the age 71.
Golez’s death was confirmed by his son, Parañaque City Vice Mayor Jose Enrico Golez.
Senators Sonny Angara and Joseph Victor Ejercito expressed their condolences via Twitter.
“Very surprised and saddened to hear of Cong @roilogolez‘s passing. Condolences to vmayor @ricogolez and family. Was a highly respected member of the House. RIP Manong Roy,” Angara said.
“With my deepest sympathies VM @ricogolez on Cong. Roy’s passing,” Ejercito tweeted.
Meanwhile, Senator Francis Pangilinan, Liberal Party president, said that they were overwhelmed with “sadness and shock” with the news of Golez’s death.
“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,” he said in a statement.
“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 on his social media account, truly fits him. Our thoughts and prayers are one with his family and loved ones,” Pangilinan said
Golez was a graduate of the prestigious United States Naval Academy, where he majored in mathematics and operational analysis.
He was a former navy officer before serving as postmaster general under the Marcos administration from 1981 to 1986.
He was elected congressman of Parañaque City for six terms – from 1992 to 2001 and from 2004 to 2007.
Golez served as the national security adviser under the Arroyo administration from 2001 to 2004. (Jose Cielito Reganit/PNA)
