“PHILIPPINES, MY PHILIPINES. BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES.”

“Oh, Captain! Go now and sail into the horizon. Tell the Admiral above: the current is strong, the torrents are rolling, the tide is high, the waves are colossal, and we are drowning.” With those words, former Paranaque Rep. Roilo Golez announced his departure through his Twitter account @roilogolez at 5:11 am yesterday, shortly before he was rushed to a hospital where he died yesterday morning of a heart attack.

His son, Parañaque City Vice Mayor Rico Golez, confirmed his father’s death in a radio report. The young Golez did not give further details.

His death was met with shock and sadness by various government officials, who respected his views on national security and other issues.

At 12: 18 p.m., shortly after the confirmation of Golez’s death, Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon, through his @ruffybiazon account, tweeted: Roilo Golez, the Naval Officer. My snappiest salute, sir. You served the country well, living life like a true soldier—fighting for the country as a last act.”

Biazon’s message was followed by Sen. Sonny Angara (@sonnyangara), who said: Very surprised and saddened to hear of Cong @roilogolez ‘s passing. Condolences to vmayor @ricogolez and family. Was a highly respected member of the House. RIP Manong Roy!”

Sen. Chiz Escudero (@saychiz) said: “My sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of my former colleague Sec. Roilo Golez. He was a true statesman who will be sorely missed especially during these trying times in our country’s history.”

Sen. Joel Villanueva (@senatorjoelv) also said: “Shocking to hear the sudden passing of Manong/Cong @roilogolez. He was a mentor and a great friend. Condolences to his family and loved ones esp VMayor @ricogolez. You will be missed Manong Roy. #toliveisChrist #todieisgain #RIPmanongroy.”

Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas, the House Majority Leader, said Golez succumbed to a heart attack.

“It is with sadness that I post here that Danny Suarez just called me with the information that our former colleague, ROILO “ROY” GOLEZ, passed away due to heart attack. May his soul Rest In Peace!” Fariñas said.

A product of the country’s public school system, Golez was born in Romblon on January 9, 1947 to parents who were public school teachers.

He served as a National Security Adviser to former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from 2001-2004.

Prior to his joining Macapagal-Arroyo’s cabinet, Golez was a six-term representative of Paranaque City from 1992-2001.

From the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Golez earned his ranks in the Philippine Navy as a graduate of the prestigious US Naval Academy in Maryland.

Golez was class valedictorian when he finished his Masters in Business Administration at the University of the Philippines in Diliman.

He served as postmaster general, Philippine Red Cross governor and was a recipient of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) award.

Golez had been vocal about the government’s handling of the dispute in the South China Sea, as he fiercely advocated for the Philippines’ rights to the West Philippine Sea.

Golez, was one of the more outspoken personalities on the West Philippine Sea controversy.