Former National Security Adviser and lawmaker Rogelio “Roilo” Golez passed away on June 11. He was 71 years old.
The sad news was confirmed by his son, Parañaque City Vice Mayor Rico Golez.
Golez served as National Security adviser during the term of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from 2001 to 2004. He was also a six-term congressman of Parañaque City from 1992 to 2001.
Golez was a product of the country’s public school system as he graduated from Quirino High School in Project 3, Quezon City.
Golez went to the Philippine Military Academy and was a graduate of the prestigious US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He was likewise a former Philippine Navy officer.
He took up Masters in Business Administration at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, graduating as class valedictorian.
Roilo Golez was a former postmaster general, and governor of the Philippine National Red Cross. He was also 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 born in Romblon on January 9, 1947. His parents were both public school teachers.