The Philippine government — through Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte — has released a statement on the passing of Lee Kuan Yew, founding father and first prime minister of Singapore.
“The development of Singapore has earned it the respect of nations and peoples, including the tens of thousands of Filipinos who work there and visit the country,” it says. “Throughout his long life, as prime minister and senior minister, Lee demonstrated an unswerving devotion to his country, turning it into a state that would be an exemplar of efficient, modern, and honest governance.”
Through the statement President Benigno Aquino extended his personal condolences to Prime Minister Lee Hsien-Loong.
“Prime Minister Lee has always extended every official and personal courtesy to the President in his visits to Singapore and their official interactions in the ASEAN community. An era has passed, one upon which Singaporeans can look back on with deep pride and a sense of accomplishment.”
Photo: Gil Nartea / Malacañang photo
