DFA chief wants to be remembered as a patriot

MANILA, Philippines — Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario revealed on Wednesday following the announcement of his resignation that he wants to be remembered as a patriot.

"When I first met President Aquino, his excellency stated that he had called for me because I was a fighter for democracy. In truth, I simply want to be remembered as a patriot," Del Rosario said in a DFA statement.

Del Rosario, 76, served as the country's top diplomat amid the maritime flare-up with China, global security challenges confronting Filipino workers and the need to reposition the Philippines in the international economic landscape.

A successful businessman, Del Rosario was appointed ambassador to the United States under the administration of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo before he was removed from his post for opposing her declaration of a state of national emergency in 2006.

President Benigno Aquino III in 2011 placed Del Rosario at the helm of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

On Monday, Malacañang confirmed reports that Del Rosario has tendered his resignation from the DFA citing health reasons. Del Rosario, who is set to step down from office in March, said his age does not allow him to continue in government and in foreign service.

Thanking his colleagues, Del Rosario said he plans to return to the private sector and spend more time with his family while working on his health.

"It has been a real honor and privilege to have worked with all the outstanding men and women of the 'department that never sleeps.'  Please accept my most profound appreciation for all your hard work, sacrifice and service and above all, for reaching beyond your grasp," he said.

He also delivered a message to members of the media, whom he described as having "an inherent love of our people and our country and their uniting with us in promoting our national interest."

In a get-together on Wednesday, Del Rosario expressed his hope that the next administration would embrace a principled foreign policy.

READ: Next government urged to adopt principled foreign policy

Del Rosario said he has recommended someone to Aquino to replace him, but he leaves the final decision to the president.

"I have made my recommendation. As a matter of course the president has the last say and my sense is that he'll be making an announcement soon," Del Rosario said.