MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang and lawmakers expressed grief over the passing of former senator and career diplomat Leticia Ramos-Shahani.
In a statement, presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the Palace was saddened by the news of Shahani’s death. It recognized the former senator’s service to the nation, saying she worked tirelessly in the executive branch in various capacities under different administrations.
“Our condolences and prayers to the family and friends of the former Senator. She was a profound humanist and her voice will be missed,” the Palace’s statement read.
Meanwhile, the Senate of the Philippines also mourned Shahani’s passing. The flag was flown at half-mast.
The Senate will be having a necrological service for Shahani on Thursday.
Several senators extended their condolences and prayers to the family of Shahani. They also praised the late senator whom they call “Manang Letty” and whom some of them have worked with in the upper chamber.
Both Sen. Loren Legarda and Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon remembered Senate Resolution No. 87 which honored Shahani’s life and work. Drilon said Shahani represented the very best of Filipinas’ skill, intelligence and determination.
“Indeed, the late Senator Leticia Ramos-Shani remains a shining example of a public servant who our present and future leaders must strive to emulate. While we are saddened by her passing, her legacy will continue to inspire our nation and our people,” Sen. Grace Poe said.
“Today, we have lost a formidable advocate of women's rights, a staunch environmentalist and a seasoned diplomat. From her extensive career in the foreign service to her stint in the Senate, Manang Letty demonstrated how public service should be: sincere, dynamic and exemplary. She is an inspiration to generations of women because of her steadfast principles and decisive actions,” Poe added.
Sens. Risa Hontiveros and Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan also took to Twitter to share their memories of the late senator. On the other hand, Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat and Bayan Muna Secretary General Renato Reyes also paid tribute to Shahani.
Eternal life - & always in our memory - to our great elder sister, Letty Ramos Shahani, respected woman Sen & champion of mental health
— risa hontiveros (@risahontiveros) March 20, 2017
Letty Ramos Shahani walked her talk w/ generations of women, for mental health & other things we love @ikaejercito pic.twitter.com/ZrPb3MyZyk
— risa hontiveros (@risahontiveros) March 20, 2017
Senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani will forever live in the hearts of the Filipino people she loved and served. Rest in Peace Manang Letty. pic.twitter.com/8K8WjPNGIP
— Gringo Honasan (@gringo_honasan) March 20, 2017
Even in sickness, Sen. Leticia Ramos Shahani joined the P1NAS mission in Zambales to support Pinoy fishermen resisting China's incursions. pic.twitter.com/oR8h6rGleV
— Renato Reyes, Jr. (@natoreyes) March 20, 2017
R.I.P Senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani, founder of @PLCPD1989 and one of the greatest champions of Reproductive Health.
— Teddy B. Baguilat (@TeddyBaguilatJr) March 20, 2017
Shahani, younger sister of former President Fidel Ramos, has passed away due to complications brought by her stage 4 colon cancer. She was 87 years-old.
In August 2016, Shahani was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as a member of the board of directors of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, the de facto Philippine embassy in Taipei.