President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of Philippine cinema veteran Gloria Romero, honoring her outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry.

In a statement on Monday, Marcos described Romero as “one of the great icons” of the industry and “a great lady with the dignity of a true star.”

He also recalled meeting Romero on the set of Iginuhit ng Tadhana, where she portrayed former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

“I first met Gloria Romero on the set while filming Iginuhit ng Tadhana, and have been an admirer of her work as an actress ever since. She was always a great lady with the dignity of a true star,” Marcos said.

He expressed his belief that Romero's legacy in the Philippine entertainment industry “will live on.”

“Not just a brilliant artist but a very fine person, the world of Filipino cinema and all of entertainment will never forget her,” he added.

Romero was a celebrated figure in the Philippine entertainment industry, renowned for her remarkable talent and contributions to cinema spanning several decades.

Throughout her illustrious career, Romero appeared in diverse films, showcasing her versatility as an actress and earning the title "Queen of Philippine Cinema."

Some of her most notable works included Magnifico, Tanging Yaman, and Rainbow's Sunset, each highlighting her ability to embody complex characters and evoke deep emotional responses from viewers.

She also received numerous awards for her craft, including Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress honors from FAMAS, the Film Academy of the Philippines, and the Gawad Urian Awards, among others.

Romero passed away at the age of 91 on Saturday, 25 January.