GMA mourns Ford’s death

President Arroyo led the nation yesterday in extending condolences to the widow of former US President Gerald Ford, who died on Wednesday at the age of 93.

In her letter to former First Lady Betty Ford, Mrs. Arroyo said she is conveying her "heartfelt condolences over the passing of your husband, former President Gerald R. Ford," on behalf of the people and the government.

"The Filipino nation will always remember the late President not only as a true friend of the Philippines, but as a dedicated leader who led the country through a challenging period of transition for all Americans," Mrs. Arroyo said, referring to Ford’s assumption to the presidency in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal.

"It was through President Ford’s quiet and dignified leadership that the United States once again gathered the vigor and determination to serve as an inspiration for all freedom-loving peoples of the world," she said.

She said the Filipino people’s prayers "are with you and your family in this most difficult of times."

The late US President and Mrs. Ford visited the Philippines in December 1975.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said the letter to Mrs. Ford was coursed through the Department of Foreign Affairs. — Paolo Romero