Manila: Former Senator Edgardo Javier Angara, the Philippine Ambassador to the European Union, died on Sunday after a heart attack, his son Senator Edgardo “Sonny” Angara announced.
The younger Angara said in his Facebook post, that his father passed away at the age of 83.
Known largely as a legislator, the elder Angara founded with fellow University of the Philippines Law School graduates in 1972 one of the more well-known solicitor’s agency in the country, the Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices.
During the administration of then Presidents Ferdinand Marcos Sr and Corazon Aquino From 1981 to 1987, Angara served as President of the University of the Philippines.
His leadership of the university enabled the state higher learning institution to maintain and further its status as the country’s premier university.
In 1987, he was among the politicians who rode the People Power wave, his intellect eventually wining him a seat in the Senate.
He served as Senator from 1987 to 1995 and from 2001 until 2013 when he was chosen Senate President.
While Angara’s career spanned the term of seven Philippine Presidents, he was most remembered for his role in helping restructure the country’s educational system
His familiarity with education led him to sponsor laws that resulted in the creation of the Commission on Higher Education and the Technical Education and Skill Development Authority.
With his only son, Senator Sonny Angara taking on the role of legislator, the senior namesake in the current administration under President Rodrigo Duterte was appointed as Philippine Ambassador to the European Union.
European Union Ambassador Franz Jessen said the elder Angara will always be remembered.
“Ed was a great patriot and a true friend of the European Union,” he said.
