“We Filipinos are saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” former Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said yesterday on the passing away of the longest reigning monarch of England Friday.
“It is not very often in our lives as a community of nations that we are affected by the loss of someone who had been a dominant figure in our day-to-day existence for seven unprecedented decades. It is fascinating that a monarch who reigns in her country and allied territories could, as well, earn the respect, admiration and adulation of the rest of the globe,” Leonardia said.
To so many of the generations of peoples of the world, her presence was felt. Given the influence and impact of the United Kingdom through these seven decades when we faced great challenges, as highlighted by very fast technological breakthroughs, the impact of Her Majesty is hard to measure, he said.
How people all over the world are reacting to the end of the Queen Elizabeth II era is a wonderment. How she had won the affection of the world could only be because she painted a picture of dignity, wisdom and commitment to the crown. Even in this ultramodern world, she remained pure royalty, he added.
“As we pray for the eternal repose of Her Majesty, we extend all our best wishes to her heir, His Majesty King Charles III.”
“On a personal note, may I thank British Ambassador Laure Beaufils for the honor of participating in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and Birthday Celebration only last week,” Leonardia said.
“Likewise, it was a rare privilege meeting then Prince Charles at the Malacañang State Dinner hosted by President Fidel V. Ramos years back,” he said.
“Our salute to the British Monarchy and its people,” Leonardia’s statement ended.*
