Former National Security Adviser Roilo Golez, a fierce critic of China’s incursion of Philippine territories in the West Philippine Sea, died following a massive heart attack in Taguig City yesterday morning. He was 71.
A graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, Golez had just given a radio interview over DZRH and was supposed to grant another for a television network when he suffered a heart attack.
He was taken to the St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City in Taguig where he died past 10 a.m., Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting said. Golez’s son, Parañaque Vice Mayor Rico, confirmed his father’s death.
The elder Golez served six terms as congressman of the second district of Parañaque and during his last two terms in 2007 and 2010, chaired the House Committees on Public Order and Safety and on National Defense and Security, respectively.
He was appointed national security adviser by former President now Pampanga Rep. Gloria M. Arroyo after ending his sixth and last term as congressman.
The veteran lawmaker is believed to be among the first to warn the world about China’s military build-up and incursion in the disputed WPS as a congressman. He will also be remembered for his strong opposition to the Reproductive Health bill and his decision to quit the Marcos government in the early 1980s.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines has condoled with the family of Golez.
“He passed away over an hour ago. He was a sailor, a patriot, and a public servant whose contributions to the Filipino nation and its people extended throughout his lifetime,” said AFP spokesperson Marine Col. Edgard Arevalo said. “He will be remembered for his keen insights founded on his knowledge of military history and strategy, national security, and geopolitics,” Arevalo said of Golez, who was born on Jan. 9, 1947 in Looc, Romblon. (Ben R. Rosario and Francis T. Wakefield)
