Church of the Holy Trinity, Forbes Park, Makati City
28 February 2016

President Benigno S. Aquino III attended the memorial tribute for the late U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Stephen Bosworth, who was a notable diplomat for showing his support in achieving democracy in the Philippines after the regime of then President Ferdinand Marcos.

Citing his key roles to put an end to the dictatorship, President Aquino lauded Bosworth for putting himself on the side of peace, saying he was one of the many people who steered the Philippines away from the threat of civil war. He called Bosworth a true friend of the country for he allowed the world to see the true condition of the Philippines during his tenure.

“He will always have the respect and the gratitude of the Filipino people, and that we hope that even more diplomats will follow in his footsteps as partners for the collective progress of our nations, and of the world at large,” President Aquino said.

Bosworth succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the age of 76 on 4 January 2016 in Boston. He served as the U.S. envoy in the country from 1984 until 1987. During his term, he was involved in restoring freedom to the Philippines during the People Power Revolution after persuading President Marcos to step down in 1986.

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