“THE late former Ambassador and Leyte Gov. Benjamin ‘Kokoy’ T. Romualdez was once among the most powerful men in our country but he was neither abusive nor high-handed in treating people. While he stood along the corridors of power, he was known for his mild manner and fair treatment of people, including his political enemies.”

This message of condolence from Quezon City Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo was just among the expressions of  sympathy, prayers and comfort poured by members of the House of Representatives for the bereaved family of  the former Ambassador and Leyte Gov. Benjamin “Kokoy” T. Romualdez.

Among those who expressed their sadness and admiration for Romualdez were House Deputy Minority Leader and Zambales Rep. Ma. Milagros “Mitos” Magsaysay, Aurora Rep. Juan

Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone and Negros Occidental Rep. Albee Benitez.

“I condole with the family of Ambassador Kokoy Romualdez. He once served as ambassador to New York where he pushed for Philippine and American interests which brought investments and cordial relations between our countries,” said Magsaysay, referring to the sterling qualities of Romualdez as former ambassador to the United States, People’s Republic of China and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Castelo recalled Romualdez as “a man best known for his humility and self-effacing ways.”

“He was once among the most powerful men in our country but he was neither abusive nor high- handed in treating people. While he stood along the corridors of power, he was known for his mild manners and fair treatment of people, including his political enemies,” said Castelo.

Romualdez, 81, passed away due to a lingering illness Tuesday afternoon at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City.

Angara, chairman of the House committee on higher and technical education, conveyed his condolences to Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin “FM” G.  Romualdez, one of the four children of Romualdez.

“We offer our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family of Ambassador Romualdez, particularly to our colleague, Cong. Martin Romualdez,” said Angara.

Evardone, chairman of the House committee on public information, said the demise of the Leyte governor was a huge loss to Region 8.

“He is a great loss to Region 8, in particular, and our country as a whole. We salute and admire his dedication to serve Region 8 and our country,” said Evardone.

For his part, Benitez recalled bonding with the late ambassador whom he claimed was a great part of his college life.

“My deepest condolences. I grew up with him when I was in college. I share memorable memories of him,” said Benitez.

“Kokoy would always hang up the phone without saying goodbye,” Benitez recalls fondly. “Kokoy also taught me to  stick with friends in times of happiness and during trials.”

Romualdez’s career in the diplomatic service and public service spanned more than 20 years.

He was the son of the late Dr. Vicente Orestes Romualdez, former Dean of the Law School of St. Paul’s College in Tacloban City. He began his career in politics after working as assistant of the late Daniel Romualdez who was then Speaker of the House of Representatives. He embarked on his own political career and became governor of Leyte for several terms.

Romualdez was instrumental in the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China and became its first Philippine ambassador. He also served as ambassador to Saudi Arabia and the US.

Known for his organizational skills, he was responsible for paving the way for the state visits of President Ferdinand E. Marcos to various countries, foremost of which was the successful state visit to the US.

He is survived by his wife Juliette G. Romualdez and children Daniel, a practicing architect in New York; Philip, president and chief executive officer of Benguet Corp; Martin, congressman of the First District of Leyte province; and Marean, an investment banker,  married to investment banker Thomas Pompidou, in New York; sisters Imelda Marcos, Alita Martel, Conchita Yap; and brothers Alfredo and Armando. His body lies in state at the family residence at 1 Palm Avenue, Forbes Park, Makati City.